EastEnders legend Gillian Wright has been forced to end her role away from the soap early after suffering a nasty accident. The actress, known for playing Jean Slater in the BBC One show, took to social media to confirm that she wasn't able to continue in panto after a fall.
Gillian was set to play the part of the Wicked Queen in Kent’s pantomime, Snow White, at the Central Theatre in Chatham until her fall in rehearsals resulted in her breaking her wrist. But despite her accident, she powered through and performed during opening night.
Taking to Instagram, the soap star shared a series of pictures sporting a sling and cast whilst dressed as the Wicked Queen. "Rehearsing a wonderful Wicked Queen in this lovely script, with these lovely people at Central Theatre in Chatham…Took a little fall in dance …broke my wrist.
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"Carried on with marvellous support from cast and crew and theatre, sporting a plaster cast, glittery sling and with the help of painkillers got through and did the Opening Night!"
Explaining what happened next, Gillian typed: "Surgery following day and suddenly my wrist has a metal plate and pins in it and I’ve strict instructions for the plate to settle and that’s me out of the show. Gutted."
Gillian continued: "Can’t believe the enormous repercussions of a little fall. So much left to find with the Queen, lovely numbers and routines and rhyming couplet banter! The marvellous Samantha Hughes has stepped in and taken on the role with exquisite grandeur and cheekiness and aplomb!"
She ended her post: "Thank you Samantha for being so brilliant! Thank you cast mates for being so supportive! Will miss the adventure with you all!" And she was quickly flooded with messages. EastEnders co-star Emma Barton, who plays Honey, was among the first to respond: "Oh Gill… Sending love."
Lucy Benjamin, who also starred in the BBC soap as Lisa Fowler, also wrote: "Oh no!!" before fans shared their well-wishes and support. @ee.talks said: "Hope you’re okay and get well soon Gillian!" @ l.winter98 wrote: " Get better soon Gillian. Hope your okay."
@ravenladymaia replied: "Oh no, that must so frustrating and disappointing. I hope it heals soon ." @amethyst_mermaid commented: "Ouch!!!! Get well soon." @mia.williams9 added: "Sending my love to your darling and wishing you a speedy recovery. Such a shame that you can’t do it."
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