Patsy Palmer is heading back to Albert Square as Bianca – one of the most popular characters in BBC One's EastEnders.

Patsy Palmer said of her return: "I'm really excited about rejoining the cast and working with old friends again. 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."

Bianca arrives in the square with Liam (son by Ricky) and a gaggle of other kids by different men. She is at rock bottom, struggling to survive. She has a relative in the Square – Pat – her grandmother (her father was Pat's son, David Wicks).

Diederick Santer, Executive Producer of EastEnders, said: "I'm delighted to welcome Patsy Palmer home to EastEnders. Bianca is one of the most popular characters the show has ever had. Millions grew up with her and, like the audience, I can't wait to see her back in the show. I'm really looking forward to the next chapter in her story."

Patsy will start filming in January 2008 and will be on screen towards the end of March.