Bianca Jackson

Bianca Jackson (also Butcher) is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Patsy Palmer. The character was introduced by executive producer Leonard Lewis and appeared initially from 1993 to 1999, when Palmer opted to leave. In 2002 executive producer John Yorke brought the character back for a special spin-off show. She returned to EastEnders as a full-time character in April 2008. Palmer took maternity leave in late 2010 and Bianca left the series in January 2011. The character returned in December 2011 after Palmer signed a "working mums" contract, which granted her leave from the soap between April and November 2012. The actress quit EastEnders in 2014 and Bianca departed on 12 September 2014. Palmer reprised the role on 2 September 2019 for a guest stint and a second guest stint was scheduled for 2020, but later cancelled. Beginning in early 2024, Palmer reprised her role for just over a year, between 4 March 2024 and 17 April 2025. During her first run on the show, in the 1990s, Bianca was known for her bizarre sense of style, sharp tongue and fiery temper, as well as her romantic chemistry with established character Ricky Butcher (Sid Owen); the two represent one of the show's most memorable relationships to date, which is best remembered for when Bianca often screams "Rickaaaaaaay!" whenever they argue with each other. She has also been featured in many central plot developments such as affairs, feuds, bereavements, family problems, spina bifida and having an abortion. Bianca's other storylines in her first stint have included her troubled relationships with parents Carol Jackson (Lindsey Coulson) and David Wicks (Michael French) along with their family members; an on-off friendship with childhood school-mate Natalie Evans (Lucy Speed); a more stronger companionship with best friend Tiffany Mitchell (Martine McCutcheon);...