EASTENDERS fans are clamouring for show icon Bianca Jackson to stay in Albert Square for good.
Played by Patsy Palmer, Bianca first appeared on the BBC soap in 1993 and stayed until 1999.
Since then, the character has made various returns over the years, notably as a regular once again from 2008 to 2014.
Bianca moved away from Walford to Milton Keynes a decade ago with partner Terry Spraggan (Terry Alderton) although the pair have since split up.
Most recently, Bianca made a comeback for her adoptive daughter Whitney’s (Shona McGarty) wedding to Zack Hudson (James Farrar).
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Her return comes ahead of Whitney’s upcoming departure from the soap, as actress Shona McGarty quit the role after 16 years.
Although Bianca is only back for a short-term storyline, viewers are desperate for her to remain for the foreseeable future.
Taking to Reddit, one fan described actress Patsy as “fantastic” and said “it’s clear the writers adore writing for her, giving her some of the best lines of the year so far”.
They added: “I know she’s a “DJ” in the States, but she has so much promise as an A-list character with brilliant old school connections. I love that she has naturally aged with lines and grey hairs, and embraced an older (if not wiser) Bianca.
“Bianca could easily carry a Christmas storyline and stop the reliance on the Carters/Knights.”
Other viewers were quick to share their support of the idea, with one writing: “She’s great. I agree, she should stay permanently.”
Another commented: “Patsy Palmer will always be an icon. Bianca, she's brilliant. She might have a gobby mouth, but she'll always have the goodness in her heart.”
A third added: “Bianca is my ginger queen. The fierceness that she brings is powerful as a lioness!”
Meanwhile, while other fans weren’t opposed to the idea of Bianca staying longer, they expressed doubt that it could happen.
One penned: “Bianca is an all time classic top 5 character for me, but I can’t imagine Patsy ever returning full time. She seems to have a great life in California and tbh I’m surprised she’s even come back for this long.”
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Another added: “It's not just that she's a DJ in California, she has an entire family out there. That's why she won't be back anytime soon. Maybe sometime after her youngest becomes an adult, but not anytime in the near future.”
“As much as I’d love her to stick around permanently I’m glad she’ll be leaving with Whitney, it will make her exit seem more ‘full-circle’, can’t wait for that episode I’m sure it’ll be brilliant.”
EastEnders airs on BBC One and BBC iPlayer