EastEnders’ Patsy Kensit shares health update after confirming exit from BBC soap

PATSY Kensit has wrapped up filming in Walford after her debut as Emma Harding.

The EastEnders actress took to social media, seemingly confirming her exit and giving a major health update.

Patsy's character's daughter, Lola Pearce, has been trying to live her life to the fullest despite being diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumour.

In recent scenes aired on BBC One, the beloved hairdresser, played by departing actress Danielle Harold, was given the chance to fulfil her dying wish and reconnect with her biological mother.

Patsy was introduced to EastEnders viewers in late January and the truth about Lola's father was finally exposed.

But less than a month after her first appearance, the former Holby City star appears ready to leave the Square.

The 54-year-old informed fans on Instagram that she had been diagnosed with a severe chest infection as she gave thanks to her "EE family" for her stint in the long-running soap.

Patsy can be seen sporting sunglasses and dragging a suitcase behind her as she heads to warmer climates.

She captioned: "We’re leaving on a jet plane! Don’t know when I’ll be back again… Going to the heat."

"Great news this Friday that my severe chest infection I’ve nursed since December has now been diagnosed and I’m on the right antibiotics and need to convalesce for a bit and will be right back on my feet!"

Patsy then added: "Cannot thank my amazing cast members at the simply awesome experience I’ve had working on EastEnders for being so kind and loving to me.

"Big thank you to the BBC, the producers, writers, crew and the EE family."

The actress ended her caption with a short but sweet message to her on-screen daughter and Emma Barton aka Honey Mitchell.

"Costume makeup AD’s Ang at the help desk.. the fabulous @jamie_b10 and the phenomenal Danielle Harold for making me laugh my a**e off everyday."

"I love you both… Emma Barton, so so many people…. A new adventure begins. PS cannot forget the best agent in the world David Hahn and Sue I love you both."

Patsy's followers were quick to respond to her post, sharing their thoughts in the comment section.

Many of them expressed sadness to see her go and are hoping for her to return.

"You're amazing on EastEnders hopefully we will see you more on there", one viewer commented as another added: "So sad to see you go from Albert Square."

A third continued: "You’ve been magnetic on EasEenders enjoy the sun."

Earlier in January, Patsy revealed she had been rushed to A&E with pneumonia ahead of her Albert Square debut.

She was forced to miss out on skiing holiday as she recovered and told her fans about her health scare online.

"No skiing for me as I’ve got pneumonia so spa and steam and thermals up to my eyeballs", she penned.

"Thank you to the amazing NHS for taking care of me on the 29th of December at A&E in Southport you are the true heroes on this planet. Health is paramount."

For now, Patsy remains on our screens as her character tries to bond with both Lola and her granddaughter Lexi before it's too late.

EastEnders continues to air from Monday to Thursday at 7.30pm on BBC One.