Patsy Kensit hints at return to ‘dream job’ in EastEnders

Former EastEnders actress Patsy Kensit has opened up about her time on the popular BBC One soap, referring to it as her “dream job” and expressing a keen interest in making a return.

The former child star was a guest on ITV’s Love Your Garden with Alan Titchmarsh on Sunday, May 25, where she discussed her extensive career. However, it was her portrayal of Emma Harding on EastEnders that truly sparked her enthusiasm.

As the host listed her various TV and film roles, he mentioned: “Such a contrast to The Great Gatsby and Bluebirds is EastEnders, which I think you rather enjoyed didn’t you?” Patsy’s response was immediate: “Oh my God, it was my dream job, I loved it, it was wonderful and brilliant.”

Alan then interjected: “You were a bit of a nasty piece of work weren’t you?”

Patsy agreed, describing her character as “Yes she was tricky and unreliable and a bit narcissistic… you get to say all the things you can’t really say in real life,” reports Belfast Live.

After showing a clip from the show, Patsy hinted at her desire to return to Albert Square, stating: “She needs to be there to cause some trouble.”

She further praised the EastEnders team, saying: “The whole set up there is like a family, they are people at the top of their game. They are delivering every day pages and pages of dialogue, it was my dream job and…” Her voice trailed off as she clasped her hands together, seemingly in hope.

Patsy first graced the EastEnders set in January 2023, playing the role of Lola Pearce’s estranged mother, Emma Harding. Her character was introduced when Billy (Perry Fenwick) and Phil Mitchell (Steve McFadden) found her ahead of her daughter’s wedding to Jay.

Upon discovering she had a granddaughter, Lexi, Emma made her way back to Albert Square with the intention of meeting her and making amends with Lola. However, overcome by nerves, she could only watch them from a distance.

Emma found out about Lola’s brain tumour through a vlog and began to secretly support both Lola and Lexi. She stood up to a school bully targeting Lexi and anonymously donated money to Lola, all while keeping her true identity hidden.

Her secret was eventually exposed during a heated confrontation with Billy, forcing Emma to reveal the heart-wrenching reason behind her absence in Lola’s life. She detailed the horrific abuse she suffered at the hands of Lola’s father, including being scalded with boiling water.

Initially sceptical of Emma’s claims, Lola’s doubts were quelled after seeing her mother’s burn scars and hearing corroborating accounts of the abuse from Billy. This led to a reconciliation between mother and daughter, which was soon tested by Lola’s terminal cancer diagnosis.

Later, Emma informed Lola of a job opportunity she had received in America and her plans to leave. This news incensed Lola, who declared she never wanted to see her mother again.

Unfortunately, they never managed to mend their relationship before Lola’s untimely d.e.a.t.h.

Viewers witnessed Emma attending Lola’s funeral, where she quietly slipped into the service to pay her respects to her dearly departed daughter.

EastEnders is on BBC One and BBC iPlayer