Julie Anne Merkell(néeHarris;born 26 May 1972), known professionally asPatsy Palmer,is an English actress and DJ, known for her roles as Natasha in the children's drama seriesGrange Hill(1985–1987), andBianca Jacksonin theBBCsoap operaEastEnderswhich earned her theBritish Soap Awardfor Best Actress.[1]
Patsy Palmer | |
|---|---|
 Palmer in 2009 | |
| Born | Julie Anne Harris 26 May 1972 Bethnal Green,London,England |
| Occupations |
|
| Years active | 1984-present |
| Television | Grange Hill(1985–1987) EastEnders(1993–1999, 2008–2014, 2019, 2024–present) Strictly Come Dancing(2005) Dancing on Ice(2023) |
| Spouses | |
| Partner | Alfie Rothwell (1991–1994) |
| Children | 4, includingCharley |
| Relatives | Lindsey Coulson(sister-in-law) |
Early life
editPalmer was born and grew up inBethnal Green,London where she attended Globe Primary School and then nearby atHaggerston Girls Secondary School.She was brought up along with her two elder brothers, Albert and Harry, by her mother Pat. She also has half siblings named Georgia and Berty. Palmer's father, Albert Harris, was Irish.[2]Her mother first spotted her acting talent and encouraged her to go toAnna Scher'sacting school in London.[3]Palmer was bullied at school, and has said that acting was a form of escape.[4]At age six, she appeared in aWest Endproduction ofJoseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.
Career
editEarly career
editUpon enrolling at the Anna Scher Theatre school, and learning about an accomplished actress already with the name Julie Harris, Palmer adopted her current name by using her mother's maiden name and changing her given name to her mother's pet name, Patsy. Palmer made her screen debut in the television programmeThe Gentle Touchin 1984. Like many otherEastEndersactors, Palmer appeared on the children's drama showGrange Hillbetween 1985 and 1987. She went on to have small roles in BBC'sTricky Business(1989),Making News(1990),Clarissa(1991),Love Hurts(1992),Drop the Dead Donkey(1993), andThe Bill,where she had four different roles from 1988 to 1993. She also appeared as anacne-ridden teenager in a 1989Clearasiladvert, and in a 1992BTadvert with other futureEastEndersstarJake Wood.[5]
EastEnders
editIn 1993, she was cast in the role ofBianca Jacksonin BBC's soap opera,EastEnders.Bianca's on-screen marriage toRicky Butcher(Sid Owen) in 1997 drew one of the biggest soap audiences ever — more than 22 million.[6]She remained in the role for six years, but left the show in 1999 to spend more time with her family and to concentrate on other projects.[7]She reprised the role in May 2002 in aspecialentitled,EastEnders: Ricky and Bianca.The two-part, hour-long special was filmed inManchester,which reunited Bianca and Ricky for the first time in over two years.[8]
In 2005, Palmer publicly criticisedEastEnders,branding the storylines ridiculous and unbelievable and stating that she "wouldn't go back toEastEnders".[9]However, in October 2007 the BBC announced that Palmer would be returning to the soap as a full-time character; she made her comeback on-screen in April 2008.[10]Palmer has commented "I can't wait to explore what Bianca has been doing with her life and seeing what she is going to get up to next", andEastEndersexecutive producer,Diederick Santer,added, "I'm delighted to welcome Patsy Palmer home toEastEnders.Bianca is one of the most popular characters the show has ever had ".[11]In 2014, Palmer announced that she was leaving the soap opera.[12]She reprised the role again in the autumn of 2019 for a short stint.[13][14][15]In February 2020, it was announced that Palmer would be reprising her role as Bianca again, with scenes set to air later in the year.[16]However, this was later cancelled due to theCoronavirus pandemicrestrictions.[17]In January 2024 it was announced that she would be returning for a short storyline in Spring 2024 and again in the Autumn of 2024. Palmer returned on Monday 23rd September 2024.[18]
Other work
editPalmer made a guest appearance on the Christmas Day 1993 episode ofTop of the Popsintroducing 'No Limit' by2 Unlimitedwith presenter Mark Franklin.
Palmer worked on the first series ofOK TVwithFiona Phillipsin 1999. In the first episode of the series she was shown at a beauty salon where she got her hair shampooed and interviewedLindsey Coulson,who played her fictional motherCarol JacksoninEastEnders.In 1999, Palmer made a cameo appearance as herself in an episode ofKathy Burke's sitcom,Gimme Gimme Gimme;it made light of her role as Bianca Jackson. She appeared as Clare in thedetectiveseriesMcCready and Daughter,which aired for a pilot and one series between 2000 and 2001. She made an appearance inHe Knew He Was Rightfor theBBCin 2004, and in 2001 she was seen in the television mini-seriesDo or Die,which aired onSky One.
On stage she has starred in the one-woman musicalTell Me On A Sunday,which toured the UK, and played inLondon's West End.She also had a leading role in a UK tour of the musicalSteppin' Out,appeared in the original West End run ofMum's the Word,and acted inWe Happy FewbyImogen Stubbs,which played a short run at theGielgud Theatre.
Palmer stood in forGMTV'sLorraine Kelly,presenting herLorraine Livesection for a week in 1999, reporting from Miami on fashion, lifestyle, health and fitness.[19]She has also co-hostedChannel 4'sBig Breakfastas a guest presenter for a week. Palmer has released a number of hit fitness videos and DVDs:Patsy Palmer – The Club Workout(2000),Patsy Palmer – The Urban Workout(2002) andPatsy Palmer's Ibiza Workout(2002). In 2006 Palmer made an appearance in the charity fitnessDVDThe Allstar Workout.Palmer's film work includes the shortsLove Story(1999) directed byNick Love,andAnother Green World(2005) directed by Peter Chipping.
In 2005, Palmer took part in BBC'sStrictly Come Dancingshow, to raise money for theChildren in Needfund. She has also made acameo appearancewithCatherine Tate'ssketch showThe Catherine Tate Show.In February 2007, she was a jury member on the BBC programmeThe Verdict,where various celebrities ruled on a contemporary and controversial case, based on evidence and examples from real life.
Palmer's autobiographyAll of Mewas released in the UK on 5 April 2007. In the book, she described her ascent to fame, her struggle with addiction and how she battled to overcome her problems. In 2003, in addition to acting, Palmer and her friend, Charlotte Cutler went into business with marketer Ken Wells and a Kent-based chemical company, to create "Palmer Cutler", selling beauty and self-tanning products.[20]
In 2008, a short film starring Palmer was released by housing and homelessness charityShelter.[21]Palmer has been DJing since 2012,[22]including in United States since 2017.[23]In January 2020, Palmer appeared as the Butterfly on the ITV reality singing competitionThe Masked Singer.[24]In March, Palmer participated in thethird seriesofThe Great Stand Up to Cancer Bake Off.In December, she appeared as a guest onThe One Showin an episode dedicated to the lateBarbara Windsor.In 2023, Palmer was a contestant on thefifteenth seriesofDancing on Ice.She was paired withMatt Eversand the pair were fourth to be eliminated.[25]
Personal life
editPalmer is close friends withSid Owen(Ricky Butcher) andDanniella Westbrook(Sam Mitchell).[26]Palmer has been married twice and has four children, includingCharley Palmer Rothwell.[27]For 10 years, starting in 2004, she lived with her husband and children in Western Terrace and thenKemptown, Brighton,England.[28]Her brother, Harry Harris, is married toLindsey Coulson,the actress who played her on-screen motherCarol JacksoninEastEnders.[29]In April 2014, Palmer and most of her family moved toMalibu, California.[30]
Palmer has said that she has been a drug- and alcohol-addict, and that during her 1990s stint onEastEndersshe frequently turned up on set either high or hungover. She has said that she started experimenting with alcohol and drugs from the age of 10 and her addiction lasted for 24 years. In 2010, she stated that she had been clean of drugs and alcohol since September 2004 and that "We don't have drink in our house".[31]
Palmer suffered frombullyingduring her school years. Because of this she lent her support to the Department for Education's anti-bullying campaign in 2000.[32]She is an active patron of Children's Cancer CharityCLIC Sargent.
Acting credits
editFilmography
edit| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1984 | The Gentle Touch | 1st Girl | Series 5 episode 9: Secrets |
| 1985–1987 | Grange Hill | Natasha | 60 episodes |
| 1988–1993 | The Bill | Various characters | 4 episodes |
| 1989 | The Country Boy | Lisa | 2 episodes |
| Tricky Business | Zoe | ||
| Skullduggery | Mandy | Television film | |
| First and Last | Young Girl | ||
| 1990 | Making News | Rachel | 1 episode |
| 1991 | Clarissa | Kitty | |
| 1992 | Love Hurts | Girl in red top | |
| 1993 | Full Stretch | Heather Love | |
| Drop the Dead Donkey | Bev | ||
| 1993–1999, 2008–2014, 2019, 2024–present |
EastEnders | Bianca Jackson | 1,299 episodes |
| 1999 | Love Story | Sharon | Short film |
| 2000 | Gimme Gimme Gimme | Herself | Series 2 episode 1: Teacher's Pet |
| McCready and Daughter | Clare McCready | Television film | |
| 2001 | McCready and Daughter | 5 episodes | |
| Do or Die | Claire | 2 episodes | |
| The Urban Workout | Herself | Video release; also executive producer | |
| 2002 | EastEnders: Ricky & Bianca | Bianca Jackson | |
| 2004 | He Knew He Was Right | Mrs Bozzle | 3 episodes |
| 2005 | Another Green World | Woman | Short film |
| 2006 | The Catherine Tate Show | Woman dressed as a battery | Series 3 episode 4: Gingers for Justice |
| 2008 | Trapped | Lynne Jackson | Short film |
| Children in Need | Eliza Dolittle | Children in Need 2008 | |
| 2010 | EastEnders: Last Tango in Walford | Bianca Jackson | Video only |
| 2013 | T&B 4Eva | Bianca Butcher | Television short |
| 2015 | Jacked | Russell's Mother | Short film |
| 2020 | The Masked Singer UK | Butterfly | Series 1, episode 1 |
Awards and nominations
edit1996:
- Nominated 'Most Popular Actress' at theNational Television Awards
2000:
- Won 'Best Actress' at theTV Quick/TV Choice Awards
- Won 'Best Actress' at theInside SoapAwards
- Won 'Best Actress' atThe British Soap Awards
- Nominated 'Best On-Screen Partnership alongsideSid OwenatThe British Soap Awards
2008:
- Nominated 'Best Storyline' at theInside SoapAwardsfor "Bianca's Return"
2009:
- Nominated 'Favorite Soap Actress' at theTRIC Awards
- Nominated 'Best Dramatic Performance' at the British Soap Awards.
2010:
- Nominated 'Best On-Screen Partnership' alongside Sid Owen at the British Soap Awards
See also
editReferences
edit- ^"Patsy Palmer Filmography".IMDb.Retrieved16 July2023.
- ^"EastEnders star Patsy Palmer shares photo of look-alike late dad but reveals heartbreaking regret".MyLondon.4 May 2021.
- ^Daphne Lockyer (21 May 2000)."Interview Patsy Palmer".Sunday Mirror.Retrieved17 April2007.
- ^"Patsy Palmer was picked on for having ginger hair".BBC Online.CBBC. 16 November 2009.Retrieved16 June2010.
- ^Fiona Sturges (10 June 2000)."Staying In: Patsy Palmer".The Independent.Archived fromthe originalon 6 February 2009.Retrieved17 April2007.
- ^"Entertainment Patsy Palmer to leave EastEnders".BBC. 22 November 1998.Retrieved17 April2007.
- ^"Patsy has early baby".BBC. 15 June 2000.Retrieved17 April2007.
- ^"Ricky and Bianca film soap return".BBC. 27 January 2002.Retrieved17 April2007.
- ^Alexander, Hilary (26 December 2005)."'It's been seven years, but I guess I'll always be Bianca to some people'".London:The Telegraph.Archived fromthe originalon 6 February 2009.Retrieved14 November2007.
- ^"Palmer making EastEnders comeback".BBC News Website.29 October 2007.Retrieved29 October2007.
- ^"Patsy Palmer rejoins EastEnders".The Times.London. 29 October 2007. Archived fromthe originalon 17 May 2011.Retrieved14 November2007.
- ^hellomagazine (9 April 2014)."Patsy Palmer quits EastEnders for Hollywood".Hellomagazine.Retrieved10 October2016.
- ^Harp, Justin (22 May 2019)."EastEnders bringing back Patsy Palmer as Bianca Jackson".Digital Spy.Retrieved23 May2019.
- ^"Actress Patsy Palmer returning to EastEnders as Bianca Jackson".BT.Retrieved23 May2019.
- ^"EastEnders star Patsy Palmer returning to play Bianca Jackson ahead of 'blistering storyline' – AOL".uk.news.yahoo.23 May 2019.Retrieved23 May2019.
- ^"EastEnders tipped to bring back Patsy Palmer as Bianca Jackson for Whitney's prison story".Digital Spy.Retrieved22 February2020.
- ^Novak, Kim (2 October 2020)."Patsy Palmer reveals Bianca's return to EastEnders was cancelled due to coronavirus".Metro (British newspaper).
- ^"Patsy Palmer to return to EastEnders as Bianca".BBC News.13 January 2024.Retrieved14 January2024.
- ^"EastEnder Patsy to join GMTV".BBC. 8 September 1999.Retrieved9 April2007.
- ^"Patsy Palmer – In the Red Hot Seat".Red and Proud. Archived fromthe originalon 9 November 2007.Retrieved14 November2007.
- ^Trapped – an interactive short film by Seefood films
- ^"Patsy Palmer starts DJing".sickchirpse. 29 June 2012.
- ^Watts, Halina (11 March 2017)."The soap stars who have found very unusual ways of living the American dream in Hollywood".Daily Mirror.
- ^Bray, Abbie."The Masked Singer: Fans left reeling after mystery Butterfly revealed as Patsy Palmer".Digital Spy.Retrieved4 January2020.
- ^BBC [@BBCTheOneShow] (11 December 2020)."Tonight join @MissAlexjones and @realshanerichie as they celebrate the life of Dame Barbara Windsor with guests @GylesB1, @JWinstone and @patsypalmerx. Plus a live performance from @celeste. #TheOneShow"(Tweet) – viaTwitter.
- ^EastEnders – Interview – Patsy Palmer and Sid Owen – Digital Spy
- ^"Baby boy joy for Patsy Palmer".What's on TV.14 December 2010. Archived fromthe originalon 30 August 2012.Retrieved15 December2010.
- ^"Brighton move".The Argus.20 April 2009.
- ^"Telly talk: New role is murder for Lindsey".Manchester Evening News.10 May 2003. Archived fromthe originalon 21 April 2013.Retrieved16 June2010.
- ^Douglas, Nicole (12 March 2017)."EastEnders star Patsy Palmer's SHOCK career change revealed: 'She really is in demand'".ok.co.uk.OK!.
- ^Ellam, Dennis (9 May 2010)."Enders legend Patsy Palmer on her 20-year battle with drink and drugs and how she was saved by motherhood and love".Daily Mirror.Retrieved16 June2010.
- ^"Bullying drove TV star to steal".BBC News.13 December 2000.Retrieved9 April2007.
