For over two decades, actress Gillian Wright has captivated EastEnders audiences with her raw and compelling portrayal of Walford's Jean Slater. While her character grapples with a new mental health spiral and a quest to uncover a Christmas Day murder, the woman behind the role has faced her own profound battles away from Albert Square.
From Classroom to Cobbles: A Stellar Career
Gillian Wright's journey to becoming a BBC soap staple began long before her first appearance in Walford. Her passion for the performing arts led her to earn a creative arts degree from Leeds University in 1982. Prior to finding fame on television, she channelled her expertise into education, working as a teacher.
Demonstrating a deep commitment to theatre from the start, Gillian helped establish the now internationally recognised Pilot Theatre in York back in 1981. This pioneering touring company is dedicated to creating exceptional theatrical experiences for young people, particularly those new to live performance.
Her television debut came in 1994 on the beloved children's show Chucklevision. This opened the door to a formidable career across British television, with notable roles in Casualty, Doctors, Coronation Street, and Holby City. Her stage work is equally impressive, featuring productions like Romeo and Juliet and Jane Eyre.
Awards and Acclaim for Jean Slater
Since joining EastEnders 21 years ago, Gillian Wright has been at the heart of some of the soap's most powerful and challenging storylines. Her performances tackling issues like ovarian cancer and bipolar disorder have earned her widespread critical praise and several major awards.
Her accolades began in 2006 with a Mental Health Media Award. She later won Best Actress at the Inside Soap Awards in 2012, and secured the Best Female Dramatic Performance trophy at the British Soap Awards in 2019. These honours underscore the impact and authenticity she brings to the role of Jean.
A Terrifying Real-Life Health Battle
In 2015, Gillian's life took a frightening turn when she was diagnosed with acute pancreatitis. The condition was so severe that the actress was forced to confront her own mortality during the ordeal.
Reflecting on the experience in an interview, she described it as "touch and go" and stated she had a genuine "brush with death." Gillian revealed the pain was so unbearable that, had she been given a choice to endure it another day or end her life, she would have chosen the latter. This harrowing personal experience adds a profound layer to her understanding of the intense storylines she portrays on screen.
Today, at 66, Gillian Wright continues to be a cornerstone of EastEnders, currently embroiled in a gripping new mystery. Her dedication to her craft, both on the iconic BBC One soap and through her foundational theatre work, cements her status as one of British television's most respected and resilient talents.
