By Jason Chester
Published: 18:40 EST, 8 April 2014 | Updated: 02:32 EST, 9 April 2014
She became a household name thanks to her role as temperamental Albert Square staple Bianca Jackson in EastEnders – but actress Patsy Palmer is poised to end her 21-year association with the BBC show in order to start afresh in Hollywood.
The 41-year-old actress is said to be swapping the relative security of Walford for potential uncertainty in Southern California as she prepares to embark on a 'once in a lifetime opportunity' with her family.
Patsy is understood to be relocating to Los Angeles over the summer in a bid to establish broader recognition after years of consistent TV work in the UK.
Big risk: Patsy Palmer is moving to Los Angeles over the summer with her family as she prepares to establish herself as a Hollywood actress
'Patsy is really sad to be leaving the show as she loves playing Bianca and working with (EastEnders) executive producer Dominic Treadwell-Collins but she knows it's the right decision at this time in her life,' a spokesperson confirmed on Tuesday.
The actress became an overnight hit with fans following her introduction to the soap opera in 1993 with the Jackson family – amongst them trumpet playing sister Sonia, played by Natalie Cassidy, and brother Robbie, played by Dean Gaffney.
With her high-pitched nasal whine, penchant for padded jackets and trademark 'Rickaaaaay' refrain, Patsy's character was an enduringly popular Albert Square resident.
Off to Manchester: Bianca first left the Square in 1999, but she would return for a one-off episode in 2002 before returning on a more permanent basis in 2008
But while the precarious path to Hollywood is well trodden by British TV stars hoping to showcase their skills on a bigger platform, pals say Patsy -a mother of four – is excited about the challenge that lies ahead.
'Not only is Patsy excited about future work in Hollywood, she is making the move for the sake of the whole family. It is a lifestyle choice for them,' a friend told the Daily Mirror.
'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.'
Rickaaaay: The character's nasal whine, fondness for padded jackets and relationship with Ricky, played by Sid Owen, helped turn her into one of the more enduring Albert Square residents
Her departure will be the third time the actress has quit Albert Square for pastures new.
In 1999 Bianca fled to Manchester following a steamy affair with older man Dan Sullivan – played by Craig Fairbrass, another actor to have tried his luck in Los Angeles.
But while Patsy's exit was thought to be for good, she returned for a one-off episode in 2002 before making a more permanent comeback in 2008.
'We are so sad that Patsy has decided to leave us but completely understand it's the right time for her,' said Dominic Treadwell-Collins of her imminent departure.
'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 quilted jacket just yet.'
The door is open: Show insiders says Bianca - and her padded jackets - may well return at some point in the future
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