EastEnders' Bianca Jackson's real life with famous sister-in-law
EastEnders legend Patsy Palmer's character Bianca Jackson has been at the centre of a number of dramatic storylines in recent months on the BBC soap, but what is Patsy's life like away from the cameras?
EastEnders' fiery fashionista Bianca Jackson, known for her iconic silver puffer jacket, has been keeping viewers hooked with her latest plotline involving the aftermath of Reiss Colwell's death. Patsy Palmer first set foot in Walford as Bianca alongside the Jackson clan back in 1993, and quickly became a fan favourite.
The actress behind Bianca, born Julie Anne Harris, first made waves on the small screen as Natasha in BBC's Grange Hill from 1985 to 1987. This early stint in children's TV laid the groundwork for her legendary role in EastEnders.
Bianca's tumultuous romance with Ricky Butcher, portrayed by Sid Owen, and her unforgettable 'Ricckaaayyyyyy' shout have cemented her status as one of the most beloved characters in the soap's history.
Patsy Palmer is currently playing Bianca Jackson in EastEnders (Image: BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron)
Her initial run on the Square spanned from 1993 to 1999, before she made a triumphant return from 2008 to 2014. She then reappeared in 2024 for Whitney Dean's (played by Shona McGarty) ill-fated wedding to Callum Highway (Tony Clay).
But acting isn't Patsy's only forte - she's also a talented DJ. In 2020, she thrilled EastEnders fans when she was unmasked as The Butterfly on ITV's The Masked Singer UK, and she even showcased her ice-skating skills in the 2023 series of ITV's Dancing on Ice, reports Plymouth Live.
Outside of the spotlight, Patsy is a businesswoman, having established Good and Proper Hair, a hair product company. In 2014, Patsy relocated to Malibu with her husband Richard and their kids, where she's been living her American dream in a gorgeous home.
Patsy Palmer and Lindsey Coulson played on-screen mum and daughter in EastEnders (Image: BBC)
Patsy often shares snaps on Instagram, giving fans a peek into her spacious Malibu abode, which provides plenty of room for her children and offers stunning views. Patsy also has a real-life bond with Lindsey Coulson, who portrayed her on-screen mum Carol Jackson on the soap.
Carol, also mum to Sonia Jackson (Natalie Cassidy) and older sister to Max (Jake Wood) and Jack Branning (Scott Maslen), is a hardworking character who would do anything for her family.
Like her daughter Bianca, Carol has made several departures and comebacks to Walford, last seen in 2015. In one shocking storyline, Carol found out her boyfriend Dan Sullivan (Craig Fairbrass) was having an affair with her daughter Bianca.
The Jackson family arrived in EastEnders in 1993 (Image: BBC)
The drama surrounding the revelation of Bianca's dad being David Wicks (Michael French) is another memorable plot, with the character making a week-long return last year to see his daughter Bianca.
However, off-camera, Lindsey, originally from Edmonton in London, is married to Patsy's real-life brother, Harry Harris, making the soap stars actual sisters-in-law.
Reports indicate that Harry is a practising psychotherapist, while Lindsey has continued to thrive in her acting career with notable roles in TV series such as Bulletproof, The Bay, The Level and The Diplomat. The couple is said to have been blissfully wed since their 2002 nuptials.
Lindsey is currently captivating audiences as the new headteacher, Dame Stella Drake, in the BBC drama Waterloo Road.
Bianca parents are David Wicks and Carol Jackson
In a heartfelt chat with Good Housekeeping in 2020, Lindsey opened up about her marriage to Harry, saying: "I think I love him more now than I did when I met him – just in terms of having grown really well together."
She added, "It's not hard work, although relationships can be. I was lucky enough to meet somebody who's on the same page as me."
EastEnders fans have taken to social media over the years to express their astonishment at Patsy and Lindsey's off-screen family ties.
Lindsay Coulson and Patsy Palmer pictured together in 2000 (Image: Dave Hogan/Getty Images)
One fan posted on Reddit: "After leaving the show in 2014, Patsy Palmer (Bianca Jackson) moved to Malibu with her husband and three of her four children, where she now pursues her passion as a DJ. Her brother is married to her former on-screen mother, Lindsey Coulson (Carol Jackson)."
On Twitter, someone else queried: "Are EastEnders actors Lindsay Coulson and patsy palmer sisters in law in real life? #patsypalmer."
Another person joined the conversation, exclaiming: "Hands up who knew that Lindsay Coulson and Patsy Palmer are sisters-in-law? (Lindsay's married to Patsy's brother."
EastEnders airs Monday - Thursday at 7:30pm on BBC One and iPlayer