bianca butcher (also jackson) is played by patsy palmer. the character was introduced by executive producer leonard lewis and appeared initially from 1993 to 1999, when palmer opted to leave. in 2002 executive producer john yorke brought the character back for a special spin-off show. she returned to "eastenders" as a full-time character in april 2008, reintroduced by executive producer diederick santer. palmer took maternity leave in 2010, and bianca was temporarily written out on 21 january 2011. she announced her return on 19 july and made her return on 15 december 2011.