ITV Dancing On Ice star Patsy Palmer 'in tears' as she shares 'extremely traumatic' update

By Gemma Jones, Showbiz Reporter

Patsy Palmer on Dancing on Ice in 2023 (Image: ITV)

Former EastEnders star Patsy Palmer has shared a very emotional update on her Los Angeles home. It comes as wild fires have been roaring through the American turf, believing to have left more than 1,000 structures destroyed and five people dead.

The actress said that her "heart is broken" as she took in the devastating scenes of where she lives. She explained that her family were safe but it was still "extremely traumatic".

In an Instagram post, where she shared a picture of the burning inferno, Patsy penned: "My heart is broken. My brain is fried today looking at the devastating scenes of the fires AGAIN in my hometown.

"I just returned home to my home intact after the fires a couple of weeks ago and left on Saturday back to work in the UK and now this. My family are safe but lots of my friends have lost their homes again which is extremely traumatic.

"Being here so far away is really really hard. I'm praying and crying as I write this. I’m helpless here but praying hard.

"Please reach out if you need anything. Richard and kids are there safe and evacuated. This is huge. Really wasnt expecting this. Heartbroken. Stay safe."

The actress was flooded with well wishes and support from fellow soap stars, including Little Mo Slater actress Kacey Ainsworth, who wrote: "Bless you J what an awful time for everyone and scary wish you all safe."

Patsy moved to Malibu back in 2014 along with husband Richard and her children, but often returns to the UK to film. The soap star has recently been back on screen after reprising her role as Bianca in EastEnders for two guest stints in 2024.

Patsy shared that her family are safe (Image: Getty)

She first played the character in 1993 before leaving the soap in 1999. She then had another stint in Walford between 2008 and 2014.

In 2003, Patsy also made an appearance on ITV's Dancing on Ice. The star left the competition after finding herself in the skate off with Darrien Harriott.

When she was eliminated, the star said: "I've met the best people ever, we've been like one big family. I've proved I can and exceeded what I thought I can do."