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WITH her fabulous bikini body, shiny hair and new mum glow, Patsy Palmer has changed so much since playing downtrodden EastEnders character Bianca Jackson.

Gone are the dowdy clothes, scraped-back hairstyle and the anguished expression that came with her character’s famous catchphrase “Rickaaaay!”

Since the birth of her fourth baby, Bertie, just seven months ago, she is happier and healthier than ever.

Most women pushing 40 would dread the thought of slipping into their swimwear after having four children.

But, looking fabulous in a Liz Hurley bikini, Patsy confesses she’s now completely at ease with her new “womanly curves” and size 12 body – even though she can’t get back into her old jeans yet.

“I’m not bothered,” she says. “In fact I love being pregnant because you’re creating a little miracle.

“I’m not one of those stars who wanted to snap back to a size zero in a couple of weeks. I can’t stand the pressure it puts on women to lose weight after birth.

“I’m a mum and a real woman, and you have to accept that after having kids your body will change and never quite be the same. I’m much curvier than I was.

“My hips are wider, my boobs are bigger and I still can’t fit into some of my old clothes. Even my feet have changed! But I like the shape I am and I’m proud of my body. As you get older it’s nice to have some curves. It’s natural and womanly.

“I just wish more women would celebrate the amazing things that happen to their bodies and not feel so much pressure to snap back to a size six.

SKINNY

“Most women who look in the mirror and don’t look stick-thin think it’s wrong. But thin is not necessarily healthy.

“I used to be naturally skinny as a kid. Now I’m wearing a size 12-14, my stomach’s a little loose and I’ve got stretch marks. But so what? I’m not worried because I look at what I’ve got – four wonderful children – and it doesn’t really matter.”

Patsy, speaking during a sunshine break with her children and cab driver husband Richard Merkell at the exclusive La Manga Club resort in Murcia, Spain, adds: “I put on over two-and-a-half stone during my pregnancy and I’ve lost about one- and-a-half stone. But I’m not stressing about it and I’m not desperate to lose more weight.

“When you have a baby it’s about you, your baby and your family, not about getting your jeans back on!

“Many new mothers feel like they are competing with celebrities to see how quickly they can lose weight after having a baby and put unrealistic pressure on themselves. But that’s rubbish.

“It takes a good year and sometimes longer for your body, bones and muscles to recover. That’s normal.

“It’s crazy what some women do to get thin. In fact, I find it quite disturbing. When I had my other kids I snapped back into shape without any effort at all but I admit this time it’s been more difficult.

“I’m older and I had another caesarean birth, my third, so I’m catching up with Posh and all this takes its toll on your body.”

Patsy shot to fame in 1993 as fiery EastEnder Bianca – whose henpecked hubby Ricky Butcher (Sid Owen) often felt the sharp end of her tongue.

Patsy battled drink and drug problems during her time on the soap and knows how lucky she is to be fit and healthy. “I’m just grateful that I feel so good – especially after what I’ve put my body through over the years,” she reflects. “I’m a different person now. I’ve found what I was looking for: peace, inner happiness and a wonderful husband and family.”

The actress, who also has three other children Charley, 19 (from a previous relationship), Fenton, 11, and 10-year-old Emilia, has stepped up her fitness routine, fitting walking and training sessions on her Power Plate in between feeds and nappies.

She says: “I’m currently following a healthy eating plan called Dr Khan’s Lifestyle Programme, which consists of lots of fruit salads, vegetables, fish and meat.

“I still don’t deprive myself. If I fancy something I will have it but I don’t stuff my face and I think twice before eating too many doughnuts.”

Patsy admits juggling family life with looking good isn’t always easy: “Yeah, it’s hard to feel sexy and glam during the first six months, when dirty nappies are piling up and you haven’t had a good night’s sleep.

“You feel saggy and fat, especially when you can’t get into your old clothes. But a spray tan and some Spanx body shaping tights always work wonders for me. They are my lifesavers.”