GLOOMY Walford appears to be a world away for EastEnders actress Gemma Bissix in these stunning shots. The 24-year-old, who plays man-eater Clare Bates, revisits the glamour of 1940s Hollywood as she shows off her newly-slimmed down figure in a new photoshoot. Gemma's new shape comes just weeks after it was announced she was leaving Albert Square this summer after a brief sojourn. Gemma, who started her acting career on EastEnders at the tender age of nine as stepdaughter to lovable Nigel Bates (Paul Bradley), emerged as Hollyoaks villain Clare Devine in 2006. After leaving the Chester-based soap at the end of last year, Gemma reappeared in EastEnders in February when her character Clare Bates was thrown from a passing car. She tells this week's Closer magazine: 'Before EastEnders, I was filming Hollyoaks and lodging in a pub near the set in Liverpool. 'I had pint and pub grub on tap - disastrous for my waistline. 'The turning point came when I tried on my favourite slinky Morgan dress. 'I knew I had to make some changes.' After only two weeks of dieting and working out, Gemma managed to regain her slender frame. Gemma is set to leave EastEnders this summer, and if these shots are anything to go by, Hollywood could be next on the agenda for the young actress. The pretty blonde dons slinky satin gowns and curls her normally-straight hair for the glamorous shoot, which sees her lounging on a plush chaise lounge. The sophisticated shoot is a far cry from Gemma's tacky, brash wardrobe in EastEnders. Her character, who works as a receptionist in Tanya Branning's (Jo Joyner) beauty parlour Booty, has quickly made a name for herself in Albert Square thanks to her plunging necklines and knee-high boots. Gemma said: 'I've had a great time at EastEnders and I have loved having the chance to play Clare again. I'm looking forward to trying new things.' - Daily Mail