Dancing on Ice star Patsy Palmer took time away from the skating rink to visit east London students at a cafe in Wanstead.

Patsy had a cup of tea and a bagel at New City College's (NCC) Cherry Tree Cafe.

The Woodbine Place cafe is run by SEND (special educational needs and disabilities) students aged 16 to 24.

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Students on foundation learning courses at New City College's Epping Forest campus, Redbridge campus and Havering campus work at the cafe on a Monday, Wednesday and Friday respectively.

Jayne Hart, enterprise and work experience coordinator at NCC, said: "They're learning customer service, they're learning their money skills with the till and cooking skills. It's a training ground for them. 

"It was a really nice experience for the students - they got to talk to her, she had pictures done with them... and she was asking what the cafe was about and I was explaining."

 

Patsy's nephew is among those doing work experience at the cafe.

One staff member said: "She was brilliant with the students, so down-to-earth and friendly and she was really interested in what our social enterprise is trying to do for the students."

Barking and Dagenham Post: Patsy Palmer had a bagel and a cup of tea with the students who work at Cherry Tree CafePatsy Palmer had a bagel and a cup of tea with the students who work at Cherry Tree Cafe (Image: Cherry Tree Cafe)

Born and raised in Bethnal Green, Patsy joined EastEnders in 1993 playing Bianca Jackson.

She is appearing in the 15th season of Dancing on Ice, paired with professional ice skater Matt Evers.

Patsy is competing against the likes of The Only Way Is Essex's Joey Essex, Olympic gymnast Nile Wilson and Love Island winner Ekin-su Cülcüloğlu.

She said of her current stint in Dancing on Ice: "I’m obviously nervous about hurting myself, especially at my age as I’m 50 now - I don’t want to break any bones or anything.

"It’s a challenge that I’m really enjoying."