EastEnders star Patsy Palmer was surprised by her former co-star Michelle Collins, who flew into Los Angeles to celebrate their birthdays together on Friday. The longtime friends appeared delighted to reunite after first appearing together on the iconic BBC soap opera 33 years ago.
A Surprise Reunion
Patsy, who turns 54 on May 26, made her debut as Bianca Jackson in 1993, a role she played on and off until last year. Michelle, who turns 64 on May 28, first appeared as Cindy Beale in 1988 and continued until 1998. Despite her character being killed off-screen in 2015, she returned from the dead in an explosive storyline two years ago.
Taking to Instagram, Los Angeles-based Patsy shared a series of sun-soaked photos of the pair, recalling how they used to share adjoining dressing rooms. In her heartfelt tribute, she wrote: 'What a lovely surprise from my birthday twin @michelledcollins. Gemini Queen flying in.'
Nostalgic Memories
She continued: 'We were dressing room neighbours 33 years ago. @gillianthayforth was next door to you. I remember being so excited to be next to two amazing actresses and both such beautiful women that made me laugh so much and taught us younger ones so much in and out of work. We have always had fun.'
She added: 'Really lovely to see you today with @janicekmakeup & Lovely Lee @Lee. Wish we had more time to just hang out and chill together. Love you long time.'
Fellow co-stars were quick to comment, with Diane Parish writing 'Radiant' and Harriet Thorpe saying 'Beauties Both.'
Sid Owen's Boat Incident
This reunion comes after Patsy's on-screen husband Sid Owen was reportedly 'so angry' and blamed the previous owners of his £30,000 boat for its 'write-off' in a 'drunken mishap.' The vessel was pictured submerged for the first time.
On Tuesday, it was revealed that the 54-year-old star had written off his boat, named Rolling On The River, and scuppered his latest business venture in a drunken incident. However, he has staunchly denied being inebriated.
New images show the boat dramatically slumping under water level on the bank of the Thames. The soap star, best known for playing Ricky Butcher, had planned to host VIP tours along the River Thames near his London home after investing in a second-hand pleasure cruiser.
He alleges a 'dodgy fan belt' caused the crash into an overhanging tree, tearing a hole in the hull at a marina in West London. He says he only fled the scene to help his elderly friend escape danger.
Sid insists the damage to the boat, which would be worth around £115,000 new, caused the crash. Sources told The Sun: 'He's trying to blame the previous owner for what's gone on but it appears there may be more to this.'
It has been claimed that Sid and his business partner will face a large bill to remove their boat from the water before they incur fines from the Environment Agency. An Instagram account advertising the boat's VIP tours shows photos of the vessel's interiors and instructions to 'DM for prices and dates.'
After the crash, it was revealed that Sid was blaming the previous owners and was not drunk, despite having been drinking in a pub in Surbiton six miles away. A source told The Sun: 'Sid is insisting that the boat broke down due to a dodgy fan belt before drifting into the riverbank. He says he only fled the scene because his friend is elderly and he wanted to get him off the boat as quickly as possible.'
A representative for Sid has been contacted for comment.
