Patsy Palmer has quit ‘EastEnders’ to pursue a Hollywood career.
The flame-haired actress, best known for playing Bianca Butcher in the BBC One soap, will leave the show in the autumn in order to move her family out to Los Angeles.
Executive producer Dominic Treadwell-Collins said in a statement: "We are so sad that Patsy has decided to leave us, but completely understand that it’s the right time for her.
"Bianca won’t be leaving Albert Square until the autumn, so there’s still a lot more to come from her on screen this year – and the door will be left wide open for her return. We won’t be getting rid of Bianca’s puffa jacket just yet."
Patsy’s spokesperson added: "Patsy is really sad to be leaving the show as she loves playing Bianca and working with Dominic. But she knows it’s the right decision at this time in her life."
The 41-year-old actress is said to be plotting a move to Los Angeles for a "once in a lifetime opportunity".
A source told the Daily Mirror newspaper: "She has lots of exciting offers lined up and feels the time is right to say goodbye. Her children are at the age where they can be moved across to the States relatively easily.
"And it has always been her big ¬ambition to crack Hollywood."
Patsy first joined ‘EastEnders’ as Bianca in 1993 and first quit the show in 1999. She later returned for a one-off episode in 2002, and rejoined the show full-time in 2008.
Patsy Palmer quits EastEnders
