Patsy Palmer, who plays Bianca Butcher in Eastenders, has quit the show and is set to leave Albert Square later this year.
The actress is said to be swapping life in Walford for the sunnier climes of Los Angeles in a bid to find fresh acting roles.
An Eastenders spokesperson confirmed the news yesterday saying “Patsy is really sad to be leaving the show as she loves playing Bianca and working with executive producer Dominic Treadwell-Collins but she knows it’s the right decision at this time in her life.”
Both Jamie Lomas (Jake Stone) and Hetti Bywater (Lucy Beale) are also set to leave the soap this year.
Pasty has played Bianca (on and off) since 1993
However, it seems that there will be the opportunity for Bianca to make a return in the future, even though this is the third time she has made a departure from the show.
Executive producer of Eastenders, Treadwell-Collins said: “We are so sad that Patsy has decided to leave us, but completely understand that it’s the right time for her. Bianca won’t be leaving Albert Square until the autumn, so there’s still a lot more to come from her on screen this year – and the door will be left wide open for her return.
“We won’t be getting rid of Bianca’s puffa jacket just yet.”
The door has been left open for Patsy to return in future
The mother-of-four is said to be excited about her impending move to America with a friend speaking to the Daily Mirror about the big change.
“Not only is Patsy excited about future work in Hollywood, she is making the move for the sake of the whole family. It is a lifestyle choice for them,” said the source.