Best known for her fiery role as Bianca Jackson on EastEnders, Patsy Palmer has experienced a remarkable transformation — from soap star in rainy London to a serene wellness advocate living in the sun-soaked hills of Malibu. As of 2025, the 50-year-old actress, DJ, and entrepreneur has an estimated net worth of £9.3 million (approx. $11.6 million USD), built through a multi-decade career that spans television, wellness, and the world of music.
Early Fame and Breakthrough on EastEnders
Born in 1972, Patsy Palmer broke into the entertainment industry at a young age but shot to national fame when she joined EastEnders in 1993, portraying the unforgettable Bianca Jackson. Her portrayal of the brash, no-nonsense character made her a household name across the UK. Patsy was just 21 years old when she first stepped onto Albert Square, and it wasn’t long before audiences were captivated by her on-screen chemistry with co-star Sid Owen, who played Ricky Butcher.
So popular was the pair that they were given their own spinoff, EastEnders: Ricky and Bianca, which aired in 2007 and further cemented their cultural status. However, behind the scenes, Patsy’s personal life was far from stable.
Overcoming Addiction and Rebuilding Her Life
In her twenties, Patsy struggled with drug and alcohol addiction, a dark chapter she later spoke openly about. She admitted to arriving on set under the influence and described those years as chaotic, filled with substance abuse that began as early as age 12. At her lowest, she said, she would disappear for days, leaving her young son Charley in the care of her mother, Pat.
That era, however, is firmly in the past. Patsy has been clean for several years — a transformation she credits largely to her husband, Richard Merkell. The couple tied the knot in 2000 after being friends for over a decade. Together, they’ve built a stable, nurturing home, and Patsy often speaks about how Richard supported her through recovery and into the peaceful chapter of life she now leads.
Malibu Life and Family
Since 2014, Patsy and Richard have lived in Malibu, California, in a sprawling home with panoramic views and even a telescope in the backyard to watch the stars. Their home is also the backdrop for their family life. They share three children: Fenton (22), Emilia (21), and Bertie (11). Fenton and Emilia have both pursued modeling careers in the United States, and Fenton was recently accepted to UCLA, one of the country’s top universities.
Patsy also has a fourth child, Charley (31), from her previous relationship with boxer Alfie Rothwell. Charley has made a name for himself in acting, having landed roles in major films such as Dunkirk, Darkest Hour, and Legend alongside Tom Hardy.
Despite her high-profile past, the actress is now more likely to be seen meditating by her pool or hiking along the California coast than making headlines on the tabloid circuit.
The Wellness Pivot: Good and Proper
In 2020, Patsy launched her own wellness brand called Good and Proper, signaling a major rebrand of her public image. The site sells plant-based beauty products, essential oils, and encourages a holistic lifestyle through a self-care practice called Manetra, which Patsy describes as a tool for daily mental clarity and emotional wellness.
Her pivot into the wellness space was not just a branding decision; it stemmed from her own experiences with recovery and mental health. Through Good and Proper, she has turned her personal transformation into a business that promotes healing, authenticity, and conscious living — and it’s become a meaningful new revenue stream in her portfolio.
Return to UK Television
In recent years, Patsy has returned to British television in a very different light. In 2023, she joined the cast of Dancing on Ice, trading high drama for high-speed skating. Her appearance was a surprise for many fans, especially since she had settled into a more private life overseas.
Patsy shared that the decision to join the show came after she turned 50, as a way to challenge herself and inspire her children. Speaking on This Morning, she said, “I thought I wasn’t going to do this because it’s going to be too hard… but then I thought it could work out quite well. I always want my kids to see it’s good to be doing fun things, challenging yourself, and getting out there.”
Net Worth and Financial Growth
With a reported net worth of £9.3 million, Patsy Palmer has built an impressive financial foundation through a mix of acting roles, brand endorsements, reality TV appearances, and now her wellness business. Her Malibu property alone is estimated to be worth several million pounds, adding significantly to her total assets.
While she may have started as a fiery soap character, her current lifestyle is far more zen. Whether DJing at exclusive LA events, practicing yoga at home, or working on her wellness line, Patsy Palmer continues to reinvent herself — and do so profitably.
