Patsy Palmer, famed for her role as Bianca Jackson in EastEnders, left fans surprised when she revealed her real name during the latest episode of Celebrity Big Brother.
The 52-year-old first appeared on Albert Square as Bianca in 1993 and has made several comebacks since then, including a return last year to mark the gripping 40th anniversary of EastEnders.
On Monday (April 7), Patsy entered the Big Brother house alongside Hollywood star Mickey Rourke and Corrie legend Jack P. Shepherd, much to the delight of soap fans.
In Tuesday's episode of the ITV reality show, Patsy confirmed that her real name is Julie, and that Patsy is actually her mother's name. However, she isn't the only EastEnders actor to use a stage name, as some of the soap's most famous faces also don't publicly use their birth names.
Patsy Palmer, or rather Julie Merkell as she is now known after marrying Richard in 2000, first gained recognition playing Natasha on BBC's Grange Hill between 1985 and 1987.
As Bianca, she has kept EastEnders fans hooked with her latest storyline, which includes the fallout from Reiss Colwell and Martin Fowler's death.
Known for her fiery personality and unique fashion sense, including a memorable silver puffer jacket, Bianca first arrived in Walford with the Jackson family in 1993 and quickly became a fan favourite, reports Plymouth Live.
Her early triumph in children's TV set the stage for her beloved role as Bianca Jackson in EastEnders.
Sid Owen
The partnership of Bianca Jackson and Ricky Butcher is one that has gone down in soap history as unforgettable, despite their on-screen marriage facing its challenges.
Ricky Butcher, son of the infamous Frank Butcher, was first seen in Walford in 1988. He was previously hitched to Sam Mitchell and then to Bianca, with her memorable call-out: "Rickkkayyyyyy".
The character made his latest appearance in Albert Square in 2023, played by Sid Owen – or rather, Dave. It's a little-known fact that Sid's real name is David Sutton.
Jessie Wallace
Kat Slater, portrayed by Jessie Wallace, has had EastEnders viewers captivated for a quarter of a century with her charismatic and feisty nature.
Thinking of Albert Square without Kat's banter and scandal seems inconceivable.
Jessie Wallace is well-known across British telly, but did you know that her birth name is actually Karen Jane Wallace? Jessie is her chosen stage moniker.
Shane Richie
Shane Richie returned last year as Alfie Moon, rekindling his flame with ex-wife Kat Slater after her tumultuous tie-up with Phil Mitchell, played by Steve McFadden.
Shane, whose real name is Shane Patrick Roache, initially took on the role of the much-loved landlord of the Queen Vic from 2002 up until November 2019.
Alfie made a much-anticipated return to Walford in September 2022, on the day Kat was set to wed Phil, with his sights set on winning her back.
Laila Morse
Laila Morse, who portrays Mo Harris, is renowned for her penchant for shady deals and quick cash-making schemes. However, her drive to bring money into the Slater family home is commendable.
Laila joined the EastEnders cast along with the Slater family in 2000, but was written out of the soap in 2016 before making a triumphant comeback in 2018.
Big Mo bid farewell to Walford in 2022 to go cruising with Fat Elvis, but thankfully returned in 2024 with plenty of stories to share.
But did you know that Laila's real name is Maureen Oldman? She shares the same surname as her Hollywood star brother Gary Oldman.
Tilly Keeper
Tilly Keeper, known for her role as Louise Mitchell, Phil's daughter, was at the centre of the baby drama with Keanu Taylor (Danny Walters) before leaving Walford in 2020.
The actress, whose real name is Matilda Keeper, prefers to be called Tilly, which isn't a significant change.
Since leaving her role as Louise Mitchell, Tilly has featured on the BBC show Make Me Famous.
EastEnders airs Monday to Thursday at 7:30pm on BBC One and iPlayer
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