EastEnders announces surprise Patsy Palmer return as icon Bianca Jackson
Bianca's back.
In surprising news for EastEnders fans, Patsy Palmer will again be reprising her role as Bianca Jackson in the BBC soap.
The British actress, who is now based in California, will be back for a "short stint this spring", the BBC has confirmed.
Bianca will first appear in scenes with Whitney Dean (Shona McGarty) and Zack Hudson (James Farrar) where she will be visited by the pair during an episode set in Milton Keynes following her off-screen break-up with Terry Spraggan (Terry Alderton).
Speaking about reprising her iconic role, Palmer said: "I’m so excited to be reprising the role of Bianca. EastEnders holds such a special place in my heart so it’s always a pleasure to be back."
Executive producer Chris Clenshaw added: "I’m thrilled to welcome the fabulous Patsy back to the iconic role of Bianca Jackson. Although the character was last seen on-screen in 2019, Bianca still remains a fan favourite. We know our audiences will be thrilled at her return as she is thrust into the heart of the drama alongside step-daughter Whitney."
Palmer has already started filming the scenes, which will be on screen in the spring.
Bianca is one of EastEnders' most iconic characters, appearing for the first time in 1993 as the no-nonsense daughter of Carol Jackson (Lindsey Coulson).
The character remains connected to Walford through the Branning family, as well as stepdaughter Whitney and sister Sonia Fowler (Natalie Cassidy).
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Some of Bianca's biggest storylines have included the discovery that David Wicks (Michael French) was her biological father and, of course, her on-off relationship with Ricky Butcher (Sid Owen).
Palmer last reprised her role of Bianca in September 2019 for Whitney's planned wedding to Callum Highway (Tony Clay) and had been due to reprise the role in 2020 before it was interrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Fans will be aware that Bianca's daughter Whitney Dean is due to leave the Square later this year, so will Bianca play a role in Whitney's exit?
Read more:
- EastEnders cast: Who is joining, leaving and returning to the soap?
- 6 EastEnders spoilers: Sam discovers Phil’s secret, The Six worry about Denise
- EastEnders star Kim Medcalf on Sam and Phil’s clash amid Aunt Sal’s funeral
- EastEnders' explosive Christmas episode helps break BBC iPlayer record
- EastEnders casts veteran British actor as Aunt Sal’s husband Harold Martin
- EastEnders' Kellie Bright: "The body wasn't who I thought it would be"
- EastEnders first look as Nish Panesar awakens and The Six panic
EastEnders airs Mondays to Thursdays at 7:30pm on BBC One and from 6am on BBC iPlayer.
Visit our dedicated EastEnders page for all the latest news, interviews and spoilers. If you're looking for more to watch, check out our TV Guide and Streaming Guide.
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Authors
Helen Daly is the Associate Editor for Radio Times, overseeing new initiatives and commercial projects for the brand. She was previously Deputy TV Editor at a national publication. She has a BA in English Literature and an MA in Media & Journalism from Newcastle University.
