'EastEnders' star Patsy Palmer has spoken out about being bullied during her school days.
Speaking on a Newsround Special programme about bullying, the 37-year-old actress, who plays Walford's outspoken Bianca Jackson, said that she was taunted over the colour of her hair from the age of six.
Palmer said: "I was picked on because I had ginger hair so I was obviously different from all the other kids.
"I didn't have a lot of friends in school and I felt really scared. So I would lie to mum and tell her I felt ill all the time.
"Although I didn't realise it at the time, there was nothing wrong with me. Now I know I can have freckles and red hair and be who I want."
She added: "Being bullied was the most horrible time of my life. It was my acting that got me through. I got a part in a West End show where I made loads of other friends and there I realised not all children are bullies."
The soap star added that the experience made her a "stronger" and more "compassionate" person as she would now always help a person who is being bullied.
JLS singer Aston Merrygold and boxer Joe Calzaghe also took part in the Newsround programme.
