Patsy Palmer is a renowned British actress and DJ best known for her iconic role as Bianca Jackson in the BBC’s EastEnders. Born Julie Anne Merkell (née Harris) on May 26, 1972, her journey from East London to British television royalty has been marked by personal resilience, professional reinvention, and sustained popularity spanning four decades.
Early Life and Family
Patsy Palmer was born and raised in Bethnal Green, London, to Albert and Patricia Harris. Her parents separated when she was eight, and she was raised primarily by her mother, along with two elder brothers, Albert and Harry. Patsy’s Irish ancestry comes from her father. She started acting at a young age after her mother noticed her talent and enrolled her at the Anna Scher acting school in London. At age six, she had her first stage role in a West End production of “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat”. Childhood was not without its challenges; she suffered from school bullying, and acting became an escape and passion for her.
| Category | Detail |
|---|---|
| Net Worth | £9.3 million (2025 estimate); previously listed as £7 million, also cited as $13 million (2021) |
| Family | Children: Charley Palmer Rothwell (b. 1992), Fenton Merkell (b. 2000), Emilia Merkell (b. 2001), Bertie Merkell (b. 2010) |
| Partners: Ex-boyfriend Alfie Rothwell (father of Charley), Ex-husband Nick Love (m. 1998, div. 1999), Husband Richard Merkell (m. 2000 – present) | |
| Parents: Albert Harris (Irish), Patricia Harris | |
| Siblings: Brothers Albert & Harry, half-siblings Georgia & Berty | |
| Career Highlights | First major TV role as Natasha in “Grange Hill” (1985–87) |
| Iconic as Bianca Jackson in “EastEnders” (1993–99, 2008–14, 2019, 2024–25) | |
| Winner: British Soap Award for Best Actress (2000), Best Comedy Performance (2025) | |
| Other roles: “The Bill,” “Gimme Gimme Gimme,” “The Catherine Tate Show,” “Strictly Come Dancing” (2005), “Dancing on Ice” (2023), “Celebrity Big Brother” (2025) | |
| Began DJing in 2012; relocated to Malibu, California in 2014 | |
| Known for the catchphrase “Rickaaaayyyy!” |
Marriages and Children
Patsy Palmer has four children: Charley (b. 1992, with former boyfriend Alfie Rothwell), Fenton (b. 2000), Emilia (b. 2001), and Bertie (b. 2010, with husband Richard Merkell). She briefly married film director Nick Love in 1998, but the marriage lasted only five months. In 2000, she married Richard Merkell, with whom she has raised their family between London and Malibu since relocating to California in 2014.
Career Highlights
Early Roles
Patsy Palmer made her television debut with small roles in “The Bill,” “Tricky Business,” “Clarissa,” and “Drop the Dead Donkey” before her breakout as Bianca Jackson in 1993. Earlier, she appeared as Natasha in “Grange Hill” from 1985 to 1987.
EastEnders: The Making of a Legend
Patsy Palmer’s role as Bianca Jackson remains her most famous. She joined EastEnders in 1993, immediately capturing the public’s imagination. The on-screen wedding of Bianca and Ricky Butcher in 1997 attracted over 22 million viewers, one of British soap’s largest audiences ever. She won multiple awards, including Best Actress at the British Soap Awards in 2000 and Best Comedy Performance in 2025. Palmer left EastEnders several times for family or new opportunities, but repeatedly reprised the role, most recently in 2024-2025.
Other Television and Acting Credits
Beyond EastEnders, Patsy Palmer appeared in shows like “The Catherine Tate Show,” “Gimme Gimme Gimme,” and “The Bill,” as well as dramas like “He Knew He Was Right” and “McCready and Daughter”. She also participated in reality programs such as “Strictly Come Dancing” (2005), “The Masked Singer” (2020), “Dancing on Ice” (2023), and “Celebrity Big Brother” (2025).
DJ Career and Entrepreneurial Pursuits
Since 2012, Palmer has worked as a DJ, performing at clubs and events. She is noted for her work blending wellness and music, and runs the brand Good & Proper Hair. Moving to Malibu allowed her to build a new, wellness-focused lifestyle, reflected in her social media and recent interviews.
Net Worth
According to industry rankings, Patsy Palmer’s net worth in 2025 is estimated to be around £9.3 million, placing her among the most financially successful British soap actors. Her earnings come from acting, reality TV appearances, DJ gigs, endorsements, and business endeavours.
Personal Life, Moves, and Present Day
Palmer moved to Malibu, California, with her family in 2014. She has since expressed her intention not to return to live in the UK. While she retains strong ties through her eldest so,n Charley, who works as an actor in London, she enjoys her “idyllic US life,” with the ocean visible from her Malibu home. Palmer is open about her journey, including her struggles and triumphs, detailed in her memoir “All of Me: Life, Love and Addiction”.
Controversies and Public Scrutiny
Like many British celebrities, Palmer has faced her share of controversies, often amplified by the tabloid press. Her forthright criticism of EastEnders’ storylines after her first exit in 1999 made headlines, although she later returned and resumed good relationships with the cast and crew. Recently, during Celebrity Big Brother 2025, she was at the centre of a public incident involving Mickey Rourke, who made dismissive remarks about her cooking, visibly upsetting Palmer on camera. She discussed the episode candidly, reflecting on personal growth and the importance of standing up for herself and her children. Such moments reveal Palmer’s vulnerability and resilience, making her a relatable and admired public figure.
Recent News and Activities
Palmer’s stint on Celebrity Big Brother in 2025 reintroduced her to a new generation of viewers, where she was praised for her humour, honesty, and realness. She continues to engage audiences through television appearances, DJ sets, and social media, sharing insights about wellness, parenthood, and creativity.
Awards and Achievements
Palmer’s industry recognition includes British Soap Awards wins for Best Actress and Best Comedy Performance, as well as accolades at the TV Choice and Inside Soap Awards. Her powerful portrayal of Bianca Jackson has become part of British pop culture history.
Legacy
Patsy Palmer’s journey from East London child actor to household name embodies perseverance, adaptability, and artistic range. For fans of EastEnders and British television, she remains a symbol of both nostalgia and ongoing relevance.
FAQs About Patsy Palmer
What is Patsy Palmer’s real name?
Her birth name is Julie Anne Harris; she adopted the stage name Patsy Palmer from her mother’s maiden name.
How many children does Patsy Palmer have?
She has four children, Charley, Fenton, Emilia, and Bertie.
Why did Patsy Palmer leave EastEnders?
Palmer has left EastEnders multiple times, primarily to focus on family and to pursue new professional opportunities.
What controversies has she been involved in?
Palmer has publicly criticised EastEnders’ storylines and recently made headlines after being brought to tears by remarks from fellow Celebrity Big Brother contestant Mickey Rourke.
What is her net worth in 2025?
Her estimated net worth in 2025 is approximately £9.3 million.
What does she do besides acting?
Palmer is also a DJ, entrepreneur (Good & Proper Hair), reality show contestant, and memoir author, blending entertainment and wellness in her current work.
Where does Patsy Palmer live now?
She resides in Malibu, California, having permanently relocated from the UK in 2014.
Did she win any awards for EastEnders?
Yes, Palmer won several awards for her portrayal of Bianca Jackson, including Best Actress at the British Soap Awards in 2000 and Best Comedy Performance in 2025.
