In November 1993, we were introduced to 16 year-old Bianca Jackson (played
by 21 year-old Patsy Palmer) who has brought her own special flavor to Albert
Square for so many years. Now, in July of 1999, it is time to say good-bye
to one of the most memorable Walford women.

I asked EastEnder fans across the country to join me in roasting and toasting
Patsy Palmer’s character of Bianca. 45 responses came back. An amazing 23
of those fans were writing from North Carolina (NC), which showed me what a
strong base of support is located there. 19 of the fans responding have
watched the show from the beginning. 16 have watched for 5 years or more.
Out of all the fans, 12 have been watching the newest shows from England,
either on BBC America, or on tapes mailed to them. The rest have PBS, or are
mailed tapes of PBS broadcasts. And I thank each person who took the time to
share their thoughts.

BBC America viewer Liane, a Textile inspector from NC says, “I remember the
first time I saw her was in the laundromat with Carol and she was whining on
about something. I did not like her at all at first!”

The fight in the laundrette was probably about the teen’s marriage
announcement. Our first glimpse of Bianca was with an engagement ring on her
finger and an angry mother accussing her of being pregnant. She wasn’t and
the engagement was called off.

Luster, a NC, customer service representative says, “My memory is bad, but I
vaguely remember when the Jackson family appeared in Albert Square. Bianca
then was the typical self-centered teenager, terrorizing her brothers and
sister, and making life a headache for Carol and Alan.”

From Wisconsin, Natalie, tapes EastEnders for eight people who can’t get the
show where they live.
“I certainly do remember the day the Jacksons appeared. I thought Bianca was
a very obnoxious child.”

Tom, a Child Developmental Specialist from Upstate New York, speaks for
himself and half a dozen more when he says, “What a whiny voice!”

Regina, a Technical Writer from Seattle, says, “I was very taken with her
appearance, especially her red hair. I remember thinking that she looked
like my cousin Florence when she was Bianca's age.”

Diane a journalist/author from the Bronx, says “I liked her spirit, which
matched her long red hair.”

Claire from Maryland is a News Writer for CNN comments also, “She has
beautiful hair, although it's still too long on episodes here in the U.S.
Later, I saw that she cut a little bit off and had it layered. It looked
really nice.”

It’s the hair that draws comparison between Patsy and another red-head.

“Pipi Longstocking,” says Sybil a Litigation Support Specialist from
Phoenix, Arizona.

Mary, an Administrative Assistant from NC, expands on that thought. “I never
liked that silver coat of hers. Lots of times she reminded me of Pippi
Longstocking in outer space.”

Ah, yes, that shiny, silver winter jacket.
Irene, a New Jersey insurance
underwriter and mom says, “Her silver ski jacket seems a part of her”

Linda, from NC, works at computer software company and helps organize
gatherings for the NC EastEnders Fan Club. She says, “Some of the numbers
she wore to go clubbing were pretty memorable! Whenever I picture her,
though, she's wearing that tacky silver jacket.”

Ciara , from Maryland is the only teen on our survey and she remarks,
"......the silver shiny coat she used to wear, I thought that coat was
cool....."

Patsy is a striking person physically and the producers of EastEnders
capitalized on her appearance by making her even more of a stand-out with
Bianca’s costumes.

I asked, Dave Horne, President/founder of the NC EastEnders fan club
http://www.pagesz.net/~eastend/
to pick the most memorable costume, but he couldn’t, saying, “She's had so
many great outfits, it's hard to choose.”

So, I asked some of the women in NC what they thought:

Kelly, a Grad student at Duke University, , believes that, “The selection of
outfits on the show is entertaining by itself.”

Brenda, a Preschool Teacher, muses that, “Actually, the "lack of clothing" is
what sticks in my mind about her dress.”

Ginny, a Human Resources Rep. at a hospital, elaborates, “she wears some wild
clothes & some really short ones.”

Wild clothes? Could Ginny mean the pants Bianca use to wear? The ones
Cathy, a RN and mom from New York, laughs about as those, “wacky pants!”

Esta, a fellow New Yorker, co-hosts EastEnders get-togethers, contributes to
The Walford Gazette, substitutes as host on the AOL EastEnders chats in
addition to enjoying life. She remembers them as, “Those brightly colored,
patterned spandex pants/tights she always wears, with those turtle necks.”

Cheryl, a Legal Assistant in Philadelphia, shudders at the thought of, “those
horrible spiderweb leggings/tights whatever you want to call them.”

Liane remembers how, “I saw her in some ugly snake-print pants once when she
and Ricky first started dating and they were trying to hide the fact from
everyone. I think they were on a picnic."

Ann, an Elementary Teacher from NC, says, “I seem to remember leopard,
skin-tight pants”

Jan, a private art conservationist, from NC, speaks up saying there was
something much more memorable, “The outfit I remember is the wild micromini
skirt/maxi hat outfit she wore to Carol and Alan's wedding.”

Jean Brooks is the author of the 'EE synopsis guide In Case You Tuned in Late '
and a very active member of The Albert Square Fan Club based in Minnesota.
She agrees that her most memorable outfit has to be
“what she wore to Alan and Carol's wedding. Not only was it a scream, but it
was what women actually wear on their heads, at least, in UK to festive
occasions and horse-races. Undoubtedly the reason why Prince Edward commanded
that no women wear hats to his wedding. He knew the damn things would reach
ludicrous proportions and be the focus of press photogs.”

Maria is a Legal Secretary from Staten Island, and remarks, “All of her dress
up outfits are pretty tacky and slutty looking.”

Diane is a journalist/author from the Bronx, and disagrees saying, “ She
always looks great.”

Tracey, from NC, seconds that saying “I like her total style.”

Luster adds, “I do like Bianca's flair for fashion. I also like the fact
that she's moved away from the risqué outfits of a young teen seeking
attention, and into outfits that show Bianca to be someone with real style."

That almost sounds like she’s matured over the years. Has she?

Maria has something to say about that too, “Not very much. She has matured
over the years, yet she still is a spoiled brat. I hate the way she talks to
Ricky and her mom.”

Christy, a Marketing Product Manager from NC agrees with Maria, answering,
“Not a lot. I'm glad she has her own stall and seems to be growing up a bit.”

Cathy thinks running her stall has made a difference, “I am very impressed
with her...owning her own business ...I feel she has matured.”

Jan says, “ I've enjoyed seeing how she's developed into a savvy business
woman with her market stall.”

Gayle from Texas is an Airport Sales Agent for Continental and President of
the Houston Area Fan Club http://members.xoom.com/EE_Houston/ She says,
“Yes, She has grown up a lot on the show and her character is more evolved.”

Jean again weighs in with a witticism, “ She's matured...finally. The
latency period was way too long, but that's OK. Maturity is not a quality in
high supply among characters.”

Doris, a secretary from New York City, says she has, “more respect for
[Bianca] as a person trying to achieve and come ‘up’ in the world.”

Dave believes that, “I now appreciate her more as a person with feelings, who
tries her best to get on. I think she's a good actress.”

Susan, an Information Specialist from NC, says, “Her confidence and sense of
self have really grown.”

Linda again, “ She does seem to have matured, and I like her loyalty to her
family. It's also nice to see her gainfully employed now! She also seems to
have outgrown her initial promiscuity.”

Shonni, an Insurance Adjuster from NC, reminds us that Bianca is, “ Still
whiny, but has matured some...except when she's dissing Ricky.”

James is the webmaster of The Walford Station and suggests that, “ she shows
some signs of maturing then has a relapse.”

Liane remarks that, “I go through periods of really liking her and feeling
sorry for her/admiring her and now I am back to thinking she is a spoiled
brat! She is definitely not a one-dimensional character, there are good and
bad things about her.”

Mary says, “Well, her hair's gotten better. Even though we're behind in
episodes, she has definitely matured. She's grown independent, confident,
decided in her love match with Ricky. She's become more of a support to her
family rather than a worry and burden. She's passed the struggling teen
years with her Mom.”

Tracey remembers how it was saying, “The character has evolved (through
trials and tribulations) into a very mature young lady, as any real life
teenager would.”

Valerie, from Florida admits, “I have grown to really enjoy her, and now she
is one of my favorite characters.”

Kenny, from Maryland hosts an on-line EastEnders chat and agrees, “ At first
I hated her now she is one of my favorites.”

What was your favorite Bianca storyline?

The hands-down favorites were those involving her and David who was always
her father, but didn’t always know he was her father. The disturbing
portacabin scene when she finds out the man she’s trying to seduce is her
father wins as most memorable. And not surprisingly, her best scene partner
is said to be him, with Tiffany coming in second and Carol, Ricky and Alan
all getting nods.

Other favorites were: when she was discovering her hidden talents as she
organized the fashion show and started her own stall, when Ricky was cheating
on her with Natalie, being a friend to Tiffany --especially in Blackpool,
being jealous of Sam, and the trip to Spain.

Which Bianca storyline was boring?

“Bianca is many things, boring is not one of them,” corrected Shirika
Marketing Assistant at IBM
in NC. And most of you agreed with Shirika that you never found her stories
boring.

Melissa, a mom from Wisconsin didn’t find her boring, “but I wish they
wouldn't have her be so angry all the time!”

There were those of you who grew tired early of the on-again, off-again Ricky
romance. Kathe, a Manager in Southern California, sums it up as, “ Will I
marry Ricky, won't I marry Ricky, ...... snooze”

Diane remarks, “Her relationship with Ricky seems incongruous. It's really,
really frustrating that a feisty, resourceful person such as Bianca would be
with someone as dense and unmotivated as him. They don't even have much of a
physical relationship.”

But love or hate them as a couple, you have grown fond of her screeching his
name.“RICKAAAAY!” That is the Bianca quote that will go down in the annals of
history.

Though no other quote garnered any where near as many votes, there were some
other favorites, such as “Oy!” “Get stuffed!” “Stupid old cow!”

Jean liked when Bianca was counselling a pregnant and confused Tiffany. The
line was: if Tiff aborted this unexpected pregnancy, she might have another
baby, but it would never be THIS baby.

Irene, who gets tapes of BBC America, has seen Bianca’s confrontation of
Tiff’s mum Louise, which ended with the cutting line “sometimes I think
Tiff's better off dead because at least she doesn't have a mother like you”

You liked it when she told somebody off, especially Grant. Many of you
wished that there was more screen time for her and Grant to hash it out.

Or as Mazie, a Energy Conservation Educator from NC contemplates, “Wouldn't
it be interesting if ... Bianca and Grant were to pursue a love
relationship!!”

What about the future for Bianca?

American fans who watch PBS are about 2 and a half years behind (and since we
only get two episodes a week, versus the three that are screened in the UK,
we grow further behind every week). There are many stories we hear about
years before we see them. The story that has most people talking is Bianca’s
first pregnancy and the problems with it. Coming in second is the
much-planned wedding. With the latest (and last?) storyline involving Carol’s
new boyfriend coming in third.

And what about Patsy?

Most of the fans said they have read some news, mostly on the internet, about
the personal lives of British soap stars, but on a very casual basis. During
her stint on EastEnders, Patsy Palmer’s life has certainly been fodder for
the London tabloids. Does hearing about her ups and downs affect watching
her on the screen?

Marge, Mortgage Loan Processor from NC say, “ I am sure that it does”

Helene from Florida reads the gossip too, and says, “ It hasn't affected me,
though, as to her character.”

Ginny, agrees with Helene somewhat, “ Not really - but it's hard to believe
she's in her mid 20's & has a child already. She still seems like a teenager
- she really plays the part well.”

Linda has seen the stories too, “ It seems like many of the EE actors have
lives that parallel their characters. Patsy appears to fit that mold! I do
admire her public admissions about addiction and eating disorders. That
makes me like her as a person and care a little more about her TV character.”

Dave adds, “They seem very similar. She seems to have gone through some
hard times personally and I have more sympathy and understanding for her.”

You’ve seen her for years in Albert Square, and many of you don’t want her to
leave.

Kenny doesn’t want her to leave because, “I’d miss her pretty face.”

Claire pleads with her to “ Stay with EE! I'm selfish and hate to see any
longtime actors leave.”

Luster counters, “ I think her next career move should be whatever she wants
to accomplish in her life. If that means leaving Eastenders, she will be
sorely missed, but one's personal life is too important to set aside simply
to please a group of strangers who call themselves fans.”

Many think she should try a new arena to stretch herself like a comedy show,
or live theatre (Tom jokes that she should star in the Broadway musical
“Annie”) or the movies. Marge thinks the perfect movie partner for her would
be Hugh Grant, while I think she should star with Mike Myers in the next
Austin Powers movie.

Natalie, who is old enough to know, elaborates with the advice to “ Settle
down and enjoy your life. You have a lot going for you.”

Another person, who wants her to take some time to relax, is James, “She
should take 6 months off or so and spend quality time with Charley - go
abroad to US for a visit to Disney World or something (and drop by Glencoe
Canada if she'd like).”

Melissa also includes Charley, when she wishes “Patsy continued happiness
with her child, and success in all that the endeavors.”

Linda wants her to focus on her personal life too. “I hope she meets a man
she can really trust. It sounds like she's had terrible luck in love. I
also hope she can overcome her eating problems and stay sober. She deserves
credit for acknowledging her struggles publicly.”

It’s interesting that out of the eight men who responded to the survey,
three of them also wished her luck with men. Luster still has hopes for her
marriage to Nick Love to work.

George, retired in NC, hopes that Patsy will, “ make better choices about men
in her life”

Dave, gives of his heartfelt thoughts, “I hope she finds happiness in her
personal life, a relationship that is fulfilling and based on love and mutual
friendship.”

Maria thinks she has Patsy all matched up, “I would really like it if she and
Sid Owen [Ricky] got together in real life, as I hear that they are great
friends.”

And while we all wish her happiness and the best of luck, Gayle gets the
final word, “ I wish that all her dreams come true now and forever. You are a
very sweet person...Thank you for being on EE and sharing your life with us.”

Thank you Catherine and everyone who contributed to this article for sharing you views, opinions and best wishes for 'Bianca' and Patsy for the future. I will ensure she reads this and I know it will bring a tear to her eyes. Anyway, she may be leaving EasstEnders for now, but she'll be able to do other things. Let's hope there'll not be too many restrictions in the new career moves to enable us to keep in close contact.