Bianca Jackson Butcher (Patsy Palmer)

[alan45]

EastEnders airs a big week for Bianca Butcher from next Monday as her marriage to Ricky reaches rock bottom - and Morgan's real dad Ray Dixon turns up on the Square.

More trouble lies ahead for the Butcher clan in the coming days when Mandy Salter (Nicola Stapleton) tells Ricky about the tragedy she suffered many years ago, when their baby girl died on the day she was born.

Stunned to discover that he had a daughter with Mandy, Ricky (Sid Owen) decides not to tell Bianca anything just yet - but the fiery mum finds out when Ian Beale (Adam Woodyatt) lets the secret slip.

In the aftermath of the revelation, Bianca (Patsy Palmer) tells Ricky that their relationship is over as it's one secret too many. However, Ricky refuses to give up on their marriage and desperately tries to keep the family together.

During a heart-to-heart with Carol (Lindsey Coulson) next week, Bianca admits that she still loves Ricky and is willing to give him another chance - but her mum advises that it may be time to move on.


© BBC

Pictured: Bianca has a heart-to-heart with Carol.

When Ricky's attempt to win Bianca back with a romantic meal isn't enough, things are looking bleak. Will Bianca decide to end things with Ricky?

Bianca's dramatic week then continues when Ray (Chucky Venn) arrives on the Square unexpectedly - keen to see Morgan again after Whitney introduced the pair. However, Ray immediately gets an angry reception from Bianca, who warns him to stay away from Morgan.


© BBC

Pictured: Bianca isn't pleased to see Ray.

Later, following some wise words from Whitney (Shona McGarty), will Bianca see sense and let father and son spend more time together?

EastEnders airs these scenes on Monday, January 16 and Thursday, January 19 on BBC One.

[Perdita]

Patsy Palmer and Lindsey Coulson are to take time away from EastEnders.

Palmer, who plays Bianca Butcher on the BBC One soap, will leave Albert Square for around six months at the end of April to spend more time with her four children. Her on-screen mother Coulson, who plays Carol Jackson, is also due to take a break over the summer.

Bianca will depart on April 27 when she has an explosive row with Carol, who takes her grandchildren away from Bianca to live with her in the countryside, according to The Mirror.

A programme insider said that Bianca's bust-up with Carol "is sure to break people's hearts as they realise just how close to the edge she is".

The EastEnders audience has seen single mother Bianca struggle with money worries in recent months.

Viewers will see her become increasingly desperate to make ends meet ahead of her departure as she steals food for her family and borrows money from a loan shark.

An EastEnders spokeswoman has confirmed that both actresses will return to the show later in 2012.

[JustJodi]

guess that means we do not see the kids on screen either ?????????????

[Dutchgirl]

guess that means we do not see the kids on screen either ?????????????

Haven't seen Liam for a while either!

[tammyy2j]

guess that means we do not see the kids on screen either ?????????????

Shame to lose them all for a few months

Will Whitney stay with Tyler?

Carol isnt exactly overly loving towards Whitney

Ray might keep Morgan with him

[Glen1]

Hope the same actors return for the kids characters, seems quite a few of the cast having time out. Pity Ben's name not listed.

[lizann]

Who will live in Pat's house so?

[sarah c]

Who will live in Pat's house so?

anyone and everyone on the square that needs somewhere to live!!

[JustJodi]

derek no doubt,, hes been dying to live there,

[sarah c]

derek no doubt,, hes been dying to live there,

wish he was literally dying to live there.......hate the character, useless parody of a hard man with no realism