Gillian Wright

Gillian Wright, (born; 5 May 1960) is an English actress who is best known for portraying the role of Jean Slater on the long-running BBC soap opera EastEnders. She is a graduate in drama, English and dance, and was a teacher and theatre director before occupying acting roles.

Career

Television

Wright was originally signed for one episode on EastEnders in December 2004, but bosses brought her back into the show a year later for four more episodes. She then guest starred on and off until her character finally moved into Albert Square in November 2007. In 2006 she collected a Mental Health Media Award for her portrayal of Jean Slater, a bipolar disorder sufferer. Her departure from the show was announced in 2010, along with her on-screen daughter Stacey Slater, played by Lacey Turner but it was later confirmed that she would return in spring 2011. In 2012, she won the 'Best Actress' award at the Inside Soap Awards. She departed EastEnders again in 2013 and returned for short stints in August 2014 and July 2015. In December 2015, Wright returned to the series again, this time on a permanent basis.