Patsy Palmer

Actress

British Bethnal Green, London, England Gemini 5' 6" (168 cm)

Quick Info

ProfessionActress
NationalityBritish
Date of Birth26/05/1972
Age54 years
BirthplaceBethnal Green, London, England
Zodiac SignGemini

Latest News about Patsy Palmer

18/03/2026

Patsy Palmer told EVOKE in March 2026 that she has done very little acting since moving to Los Angeles, choosing instead to focus on business. She has launched her haircare brand, Good and Proper Hair, and recently opened a hair spa in Malibu. She said the move gave her a fresh start away from people's preconceptions of her EastEnders character.

24/04/2025

Patsy Palmer took part in Celebrity Big Brother series 24 in April 2025, entering the house as a housemate during the show’s run. She was later eliminated in a triple eviction alongside Angel Bell and Rae Wise.

15/03/2025

Patsy Palmer announced her departure from EastEnders in March 2025 after returning as Bianca Jackson for another run. The exit brought an end to her latest storyline after more than 30 years associated with the character.

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Bio/Wiki

Real NameJulie Anne Merkell
NicknameDolly
Famous RoleBianca Jackson in EastEnders
Current ResidenceMalibu, California, USA

Physical Stats & More

Height5' 6" (168 cm)
Eye ColorGreen
Hair ColorBlonde

Educational Qualification(s)

Schools
  • Globe Primary School, Bethnal Green, London
  • Haggerston Girls Secondary School, London

Personal Life

ReligionChristianity
Food HabitNon-vegetarian
Tattoo(s)
  • A sitting girl on her left bicep
  • Stars on the left side of her stomach
AncestryIrish (from father's side)

Relationships & More

Marital StatusMarried
Affairs/Boyfriends
  • Alfie Rothwell (1991-1994)
  • Stuart Bilton
  • Nick Love
  • Richard Merkell
Marriage Date
First MarriageAugust 1998
Second Marriage1 August 2000

Family

FatherAlbert Harris
MotherPatricia Harris
Siblings
  • Albert Harris
  • Harry Harris (psychotherapist)
  • Half-Brother: Berty
  • Half-Sister: Georgia
Spouse
  • Nick Love (divorced in May 2000)
  • Richard Merkell
Children
  • Charley Rothwell (born in 1992)
  • Fenton Merkell (born in 2000)
  • Bertie Merkell (born in 2010)
  • Emilia Merkell (born in 2001)

Career

Debut
Stage PlayJoseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (1978)
TVThe Gentle Touch (1984)
Awards
  • 2000: British Soap Award- Best Actress for EastEnders
  • 2000: TV Quick and TV Choice Award- Best Actress for EastEnders
  • 2000: Inside Soap Award- Best Actress for EastEnders
  • 2025: British Soap Award- Best Comedy Performance for EastEnders
Notable Work
  • Various stage plays such as Tell Me On A Sunday, Stepping Out
  • Appeared in numerous English TV series and movies including Tricky Business, Clarissa
  • Rose to fame in 1993 with the role of Bianca Jackson in EastEnders
  • Portrayed Bianca Jackson in EastEnders on and off between November 1993 and April 2025, appearing in more than 1200 episodes
Fitness DVDs
  • Patsy Palmer- The Club Workout (2000)
  • Patsy Palmer- The Urban Workout (2002)
  • Patsy Palmer’s Ibiza Workout (2002)
Other Engagements
  • Co-hosted Big Breakfast
  • Participated in shows like Strictly Come Dancing, The Masked Singer
  • Worked as an executive producer and director of Palmer Cutler Cosmetics
  • Works as a DJ
  • Founded the haircare brand Good & Proper Hair and opened a hair spa in Malibu

Favourites

BeverageMushroom Mocha
Actress(es)

Style Quotient

Car Collection
  • Toyota Hybrid Camry Base
  • KIA
Money Factor
Fees£100,000 for Celebrity Big Brother series 24
Net Worth$13 Million (in 2021)

Social Media

Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/patsypalmerofficial/
Facebookhttps://www.facebook.com/officialpatsy/
Twitterhttps://x.com/patsypalmerx
LinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/patsypalmer/

Some Lesser Known Facts

1. Patsy faced bullying in school and was raised by her mother after her parents divorced.
2. Her acting journey began when she was six after a casting director noticed her during her brother's audition.
3. She adopted the stage name Patsy Palmer after her mother’s nickname and maiden name.
4. Patsy's struggles with addiction began early, but she overcame them later in life.
5. She enjoys a variety of hobbies including baking, travel, and spending time with loved ones.
6. Her passion for fitness is reflected in her workout regimen, which includes Pilates and yoga.
7. She has appeared in more than 1200 episodes of EastEnders.
8. She has lived in Malibu, California, with her husband and children since 2014, and uses her real name, Julie Anne Merkell, in the United States.

Also born on 26 May

Information on this page is collected from public sources and may not be 100% accurate. Report an error
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