Bonus Scoop: 'Enders Patsy Palmer

Last night, I attended EastEnders' Christmas screening and this year, there's a mix of emotion, high-drama and comedy, including the Mitchell/Slater paternity revelation, Jim's return, Suzy causing havoc in The Vic, little Tiffany singing Christmas carols, Heather needing a good ol' Xmas dinner and Bianca struggling to come to terms with her situation in the wake of Tony's betrayal.

Over the coming weeks, I'll have 'Enders interviews with Larry Lamb (Archie), Charlie Brooks (Janine), John Altman (Nick Cotton) and Rob Kazinsky (Sean). For now, though, here are some additional quotes from my recent interview with Patsy Palmer.

Here, Patsy talks Shona McGarty, Chris Coghill, Ricky and Bianca and what's to come (sort of) in 2009.

What's it been like working with Shona and Chris?
"Chris is fantastic. He came in and felt like he was doing a service to people in this situation. He's such a great actor. I feel very blessed that I've been able to work with him on this storyline. And Shona - I love her to bits. We have a really good bond with each other. I'm quite protective over her as an actress, too. She plays the role brilliantly, you really see the little girl in the character."

Do you think Bianca and Ricky are destined to be together now?
"They'll always be destined to be together. The longer they keep them apart, though, the better. It shouldn't always be Bianca being horrible to Ricky, though. He really loves her! A few little twists along the way would be good. Bianca gets jealous really easily. He's the love of her life."

What can we expect from Bianca in 2009?
"Well, I'm not allowed to tell you this really, but Brad Pitt's coming into the show and she's going to have an affair with his character! No, in all seriousness, the storyliners really do bring in some fantastic twists when you least expect them. Just when you think it's all over… "