EastEnders actress Gillian Wright, known for playing Jean Slater, has spoken about a life-threatening health scare that left her in agony and required emergency hospital treatment. The 56-year-old was diagnosed with acute pancreatitis after being rushed to A&E with severe stomach pains.
Wright told the Sunday Mirror that the pain was so unbearable she would have taken a pill to end her life if offered. Doctors said she was lucky to survive the ordeal, which began during a dog agility class with her lurcher, Professor Scruff. A neighbour dialled 999 after she made it home in pain.
The actress, who has played Jean Slater for 12 years, was prescribed morphine for the pain but experienced hallucinations, including performing a Shakespearean monologue in hospital and trying to find the kitchen for Celebrity MasterChef. Her parents flew from the Highlands to care for her, and her sister and nephew were frantic.
Wright has since made a full recovery after months of convalescence. She fulfilled her role as the Wicked Queen in Cinderella in Bournemouth last Christmas, despite doctors' concerns about the physical demands. She is now performing in the West End revival of Alan Ayckbourn's How The Other Half Loves.
Reflecting on her EastEnders role, Wright admitted she initially turned down a full-time contract, only accepting after a year-long deal with a pension was offered. She described it as the role of her career.
