Patsy Palmer is to reprise her role as Bianca in EastEnders, the BBC announced today.

The 35-year-old actress is to begin filming in January, and will be on screens from around the end of March.

Palmer left the show in 1999, after a 14-year stint, adamant she would not return. In one interview she said: "I wouldn't go back to EastEnders, though. I just don't really believe in it any more. The stories are so unbelievable, it's ridiculous."

During the Nineties she captivated millions of fans with her portrayal of Bianca - a flighty teenager in an on-off romance with Ricky. Bianca eventually left Ricky, played by Sid Owen, and London for a new start in Manchester, but the couple did return for a special one-off episode in 2002.

According to the BBC the older Bianca will not be too different. She will still be having trouble with her love life and will arrive back in the East End with her son by Ricky, called Liam, and a string of children fathered by other men. The BBC said she will be "at rock bottom and struggling to survive".

Palmer, who is originally from Bethnal Green in London, said: "I'm really excited about rejoining the cast and working with old friends again.

"I can't wait to explore what Bianca has been doing with her life and seeing what she is going to get up to next."

Diederick Santer, executive producer of the show, said: "I'm delighted to welcome Patsy Palmer home to EastEnders. Bianca is one of the most popular characters the show has ever had.

"Millions grew up with her and, like the audience, I can't wait to see her back in the show. I'm really looking forward to the next chapter in her story."

Palmer started her acting career on Grange Hill, and after leaving EastEnders worked on BBC detective drama McCready and Daughter and acted in the West End.

She now lives on the south coast with her husband and three children and also runs her own cosmetics company.

Editor's choice

• U2 at Nou Camp Stadium, Barcelona
• The 50 Best Movie Villains
• The 15 golden rules of theatre etiquette