EastEnders’ Bianca Jackson icon Patsy Palmer has spoken of her elation upon the return of actor Michael French, who plays her on-screen dad David Wicks.
Next week, David makes his much-anticipated return in an hour of need for Bianca, who is determined to free her sister Sonia (Natalie Cassidy) from prison.
As viewers know, Son’ is currently locked up for the murder of comatose Debbie, the wife of her fiancée Reiss Colwell (Jonny Freeman). In a shocking twist, it was actually Reiss who smothered Debs with a pillow in a bid to stop her private care bills mounting.
David’s arrival causes a huge shock to Bianca, as their relationship has never been the easiest. They’ve also been estranged for most of her life.
‘This is a whole new era of David and Bianca’ Patsy teased to us.
Bianca is taken aback to see her dad (Picture: BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron)
‘I really love that EastEnders is exploring a father-and-daughter relationship like this, and it’s an amazing chance to see how a woman in her 40s and a man in his 60s navigate the situation they are in.
‘Bianca was born when David was quite young, so they aren’t that far apart in age, and they can relate to each other better now.’
Michael is the latest in a long line of returnees that departing executive producer Chris Clenshaw has lined up ahead to the big 40th anniversary celebrations next year.
Patsy herself can be included in that list, given her five year absence prior to a spate of stints across this year.
‘There’s a beautiful atmosphere here, and that’s because Chris Clenshaw is a fantastic boss, and he’s responsible for the great camaraderie’ she added.
‘I am so grateful I’ve been able to come back and be a part of that.’
Patsy continued: I was so happy and grateful to hear that Michael was coming back.’
‘I know he’d wanted to come back so we could work together. Michael and I really bring out the best in each other – well, he certainly brings out the best in me.
‘It was a dream to work with him again. I love Michael, and I love David Wicks. Plus, Bianca and David have a new dynamic in their relationship this time around.’
We’re certainly looking forward to seeing what drama he brings with him!
