Patsy Palmer has agreed to return to BBC soap opera, Eastenders in her old role of Bianca Jackson.

Patsy left the soap in 1999, and returned in 2002 for a one off episode reuniting her and former husband Rikki Butcher.

Bianca will return to the square next year as a single mum, and move in with her grandmother, Pat Evans. Patsy begins filming scenes in January.

The actress said that she is “really excited about rejoining the cast and working with old friends again”.

“I can’t wait to explore what Bianca has been doing with her life and seeing what she is going to get up to next,” she added.

Diederick Santer, EastEnders’ executive producer, said he was “delighted” to welcome Palmer back to the show.

“Millions grew up with her and, like the audience, I can’t wait to see her back in the show. I’m really looking forward to the next chapter in her story.”