Patsy Palmer is to leave EastEnders, it has been announced.The 41-year-old actress has played Bianca Butcher on the BBC One soap since 1993.
In a statement, a spokesperson for Palmer said: "Patsy is really sad to be leaving the show as she loves playing Bianca and working with executive producer Dominic Treadwell-Collins but she knows it's the right decision at this time in her life."
Meanwhile, EastEnders' Treadwell-Collins confirmed that he would not be killing off Palmer's character.
He added: "We are so sad that Patsy has decided to leave us but completely understand 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."
The mother-of-four will reportedly move with her family to Los Angeles this summer.
Palmer originally exited the show in 1999 before she returned for a one-off episode in 2002. She reprised the part of Bianca full-time again in 2008.
Meanwhile, EastEnders' Treadwell-Collins confirmed that he would not be killing off Palmer's character.
He added: "We are so sad that Patsy has decided to leave us but completely understand 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."
The mother-of-four will reportedly move with her family to Los Angeles this summer.
Palmer originally exited the show in 1999 before she returned for a one-off episode in 2002. She reprised the part of Bianca full-time again in 2008.
