Gillian Wright, EastEnders’ surgeon, undergoes surgery following a panto injury

EastEnders star Gillian Wright After breaking her wrist during rehearsal, she said that she was “gutted” about being forced to quit her role in panto.

The soap star, now 62, who plays Jean Slater The BBC’s “The Amazing Race” revealed that she persevered through the opening night, despite having her arm in a plaster cast. She was then told she would need surgery the next day and is now recovering from having a metal bracelet fitted to her wrist.

Wright was due to play the role of the Wicked Queen, a panto villain in Snow White Central Theatre in Chatham, Kent until Saturday 31 December.

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She said she had 57k Instagram followers: “Rehearsing a wonderful Wicked Queen in this lovely script…Took a little fall in dance …broke my wrist.

“Carried on with marvellous support from cast & crew & theatre, sporting a plaster cast, glittery sling & with the help of painkillers got through & did the Opening Night!

“Surgery following day & suddenly my wrist has a metal plate & pins in it & I’ve strict instructions for the plate to settle and that’s me out of the show. Gutted. Can’t believe the enormous repercussions of a little fall.”

EastEnders star Jennifer Eastenders revealed that her heating system had stopped working during her time at Derwent Valley Hospital. She was given blankets to keep warm by a volunteer group.

Samantha Hughes, West End star and actor who has appeared in shows such as Blood Brothers and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat, will replace her.

Wright stated, “Thank you Samantha for your brilliant work!” Thanks to all cast members for being so supportive! We will miss the adventure with all of you!”

Emma Barton and Lucy Benjamin, EastEnders’ stars, have also sent Wright their best wishes.

Albert Square was founded in 2004 by the actor, Stacey Slater’s mother. She suffers from bipolar disorder.

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In 2019, her character was diagnosed by ovarian carcinoma. Since then, she has been declared free of the disease.

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