Patsy Palmer

Patsy Palmer
Palmer in 2009
Born
Julie Anne Harris

(1972-05-26) 26 May 1972
Occupations
  • Actress
  • DJ
  • businesswoman
Years active1984–present
TelevisionGrange Hill
EastEnders
Strictly Come Dancing
The Masked Singer
Dancing on Ice
Celebrity Big Brother
Spouses
(m. 1998; div. 2000)
    Richard Merkell
    (m. 2000)
    Children4, including Charley
    RelativesLindsey Coulson (sister-in-law)

    Julie Anne Merkell (née Harris; born 26 May 1972), known professionally as Patsy Palmer, is a British actress and DJ. After appearing as Natasha in the children's drama series Grange Hill (1985–1987), she came to prominence for her portrayal of Bianca Jackson in the BBC soap opera EastEnders (1993–1999, 2008–2014, 2019, 2024–2025). For her portrayal of the latter, she won the British Soap Award for Best Actress in 2000, and later the award for Best Comedy Performance in 2025.

    Her other acting roles include The Bill, Gimme Gimme Gimme and The Catherine Tate Show. Palmer began DJing in 2012, and subsequently relocated to Malibu, California, in 2014. She has also appeared as a contestant on Strictly Come Dancing (2005), Comic Relief Does The Apprentice (2009), The Masked Singer (2020), Dancing on Ice (2023) and Celebrity Big Brother (2025).