'EastEnders' star Patsy Palmer returning to play Bianca Jackson ahead of 'blistering storyline'

Patsy Palmer is set to return to EastEnders as much-loved character Bianca Jackson in a ‘blistering storyline’ this autumn.

According to The Sun, Bianca - last seen in Albert Square five years ago - will reunite with her daughter Tiffany, played by Maisie Smith, whose recent storylines involve drug-dealing and a “love triangle”.

“Bosses are delighted to be getting Patsy back,” a source close to the actor reportedly told the publication. “She’s a real Enders icon and fans love seeing old faces return.

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“She has yet to get her scripts but she will no doubt be at the centre of drama when she returns in the autumn. She starts filming in the next few weeks and can’t wait to get going again.”

Executive producer Jon Sen added that he was “thrilled” Palmer signed on for the third time since she first joined the cast back in 1993, as “bringing [her] back to the Square was high on [his wish-list] since getting involved in the long-running series back in January.

"I'm thrilled to announce that Patsy’s agreed to return to reprise her iconic creation in a blistering storyline that will grip fans this autumn. There is no one more excited than me to see her step back into Albert Square again.

“I simply cannot wait,” he concluded.

Having first portrayed the notoriously feisty character over two decades ago, Bianca has proved popular among soap fans. Her wedding to Ricky Butcher (Sid Owen) is among EastEnders’ most-watched episodes, pulling in 22 million viewers back in 1997.

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Palmer, who has four children, quit back in 1999 to “spend more time with her family and pursue other projects.”

She returned to the role for a special centred on Bianca and Ricky in 2002, before officially making a comeback in 2008. She left once again six years later.