EastEnders star Patsy Palmer dons minidress to the beach with husband Richard Merkell in Malibu

EastEnders star Patsy Palmer steps out in a plunging patterned minidress as she enjoys day at the beach with her husband Richard Merkell in Malibu

She’s been basking in the joys of the American Dream since moving from her native UK and moving to California with her family back in 2014.

And Patsy Palmer was seen making the most of the sunshine on Saturday, when she enjoyed a day out at the beach with her husband Richard Merkell in Malibu.

The former EastEnders star, 48, looked svelte as she hit the shoreline in a deeply plunging patterned minidress in the midst of California’s sweltering heatwave.

Hello sunshine: Patsy Palmer was spotted making the most of the summer sunshine over the weekend, when she enjoyed a day out at the beach in Malibu, California

With her signature fiery red hair falling from a blue baseball cap, the British screen star donned flat sandals, while she shielded her eyes with tinted sunglasses.

After arriving in a light blue denim style top, the actress put her bags down on the golden sand before relaxing with her group of friends during their leisurely outing.

The former TV star, who played Bianca Jackson in the BBC soap, recently took to Instagram, where she shared a fresh-faced selfie.

Relaxed: The actress was seen relaxing with her husband Richard Merkell, left, and their pals

Relaxed: The actress was seen relaxing with her husband Richard Merkell, left, and their pals

Captioning her image, in which she donned a black and white patterned top and black-rimmed glasses, she wrote: ‘Don’t you just love all your wrinkles and messy hair and a cup of coffee looking at nature feeling hopeful.’ 

Patsy moved to the States six years ago with husband Richard Merkell and her three youngest offspring Fenton, 20, Emilia, 19, and Bertie, nine.

And the family have been living the American Dream ever since in their sprawling beachside abode with amazing views of the Pacific Ocean.

In May, the actress-turned-DJ was surrounded by her loved ones as she celebrated her 48th birthday in lockdown, with her family treating her to an assortment of baked goods. 

California dreaming: The former EastEnders star, 48, looked svelte as she hit the shoreline in a deeply plunging patterned minidress in the midst of California's sweltering heatwave

California dreaming: The former EastEnders star, 48, looked svelte as she hit the shoreline in a deeply plunging patterned minidress in the midst of California’s sweltering heatwave

Actress Patsy then got the party started as she later enjoyed a fun-filled DJ session, which saw her dancing around her living room.

She looked happier than ever as she marked her special day with her nearest and dearest as they gathered around the kitchen table to sing happy birthday to her.

Patsy, who has carved out a career as a DJ in America, later showed off her skills as she enjoyed a DJ session in her living room. 

The star appeared to be having fun as she blasted out the tunes and showcased her moves, before joking that the Instagram music police were coming for her.

Say cheese: The former TV star, who played Bianca Jackson in the BBC soap, recently took to Instagram, where she shared a fresh-faced selfie

Say cheese: The former TV star, who played Bianca Jackson in the BBC soap, recently took to Instagram, where she shared a fresh-faced selfie

Birthday girl: In May, Patsy was surrounded by her loved ones as she celebrated her 48th birthday in lockdown, with her family treating her to an assortment of baked goods

Birthday girl: In May, Patsy was surrounded by her loved ones as she celebrated her 48th birthday in lockdown, with her family treating her to an assortment of baked goods