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EASTENDERS fans have been given their first look at Patsy Palmer's explosive return after five years off screen.

Earlier this month it was confirmed that Patsy, 51, would be reprising her iconic role as Bianca Jackson for a brief stint on the BBC soap.

EastEnders fans have been given their first look at Patsy Palmer's explosive return after five years off screen
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EastEnders fans have been given their first look at Patsy Palmer's explosive return after five years off screenCredit: ISO
Patsy was dressed in a classic Bianca puffer jacket
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Patsy was dressed in a classic Bianca puffer jacketCredit: ISO
Patsy was pictured chatting to Shona McGarty, who plays on-screen step-daughter Whitney Dean
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Patsy was pictured chatting to Shona McGarty, who plays on-screen step-daughter Whitney DeanCredit: ISO
Patsy was also joined by James Farrar and Natalie Cassidy for the scenes
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Patsy was also joined by James Farrar and Natalie Cassidy for the scenesCredit: ISO

Bianca was last seen in Walford in 2019 for Whitney's doomed wedding to Callum Highway, and since then has been living in Milton Keynes.

In upcoming scenes, step-daughter Whitney Dean and boyfriend Zack Hudson visit Bianca in Milton Keynes following her off-screen break-up with Terry, but it’s not long before chaos ensues.

The first pictures of Patsy back on set see her beaming alongside Shona McGarty and James Farrar, who play Whitney and Zack.

Also joining them is fellow long-time EastEnders cast member Natalie Cassidy, who plays Bianca's sister Sonia.

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The four actors were seen chatting between takes, while Patsy and Shona were also seen sharing moments together, with Shona's character Whitney sporting a large baby bump as part of her current storyline.

Other moments see a female being put into a police car as the characters stand nearby, but viewers will have to wait and find out who she is and how she's connected to Bianca and Co.

For the shoot, Patsy wore a staple of Bianca's wardrobe - a puffer jacket - along with skinny jeans and silver heeled boots.

Between takes, the actress cradled a hot water bottle to keep warm.

On returning to EastEnders, Patsy said: “I’m so excited to be reprising the role of Bianca. EastEnders holds such a special place in my heart so it’s always a pleasure to be back.”

While executive producer Chris Clenshaw added: “I’m thrilled to welcome the fabulous Patsy back to the iconic role of Bianca Jackson.

"Although the character was last seen on-screen in 2019, Bianca still remains a fan favourite.

"We know our audiences will be thrilled at her return as she is thrust into the heart of the drama alongside step-daughter Whitney.”

Shona sported a large baby bump for Whitney's current pregnancy storyline
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Shona sported a large baby bump for Whitney's current pregnancy storylineCredit: ISO
Patsy looked delighted to be back on set
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Patsy looked delighted to be back on setCredit: ISO
Bianca and Natalie play half-sisters
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Bianca and Natalie play half-sistersCredit: ISO
One moment saw a mystery woman being placed into a police car
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One moment saw a mystery woman being placed into a police carCredit: ISO
Shona is leaving her role as Whitney in the near future
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Shona is leaving her role as Whitney in the near futureCredit: ISO
Natalie was wrapped up in a winter coat for the scenes
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Natalie was wrapped up in a winter coat for the scenesCredit: ISO
Whitney's maternity wear was quite striking
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Whitney's maternity wear was quite strikingCredit: ISO
Bianca was last seen in Walford in 2019
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Bianca was last seen in Walford in 2019Credit: ISO

EastEnders airs on BBC One and is available on BBC iPlayer.

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