Eastenders star Gillian Wright said she is "devastated" after having to have emergency surgery.
The Jean Slater actress had swapped the small screen for the stage over the festive period but her career change was forced to come to an early end. The actress has been playing the Wicked Queen in the Central Theatre's production of Snow White but broke her wrist last week.
The soap star was hoping to return to the show after a few days' rest following an operation. However, the procedure was more complicated than expected and she has now been told by doctors that she will be unable to return to the role, reported Kent Live.
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Producers said Gillian has been advised to have "complete rest" for up to six weeks. She will be replaced in the show by West End star Samantha Hughes.
Gillian said: "I'm absolutely devastated to not be able to return to Snow White in Chatham for the rest of the panto season. I have been having so much fun with the rest of the cast over the last couple of weeks.
"I’m so sorry to everyone who was hoping to see me this Christmas – Snow White is such an amazing show and I have loved the time I have spent in Chatham at the Central Theatre – and it makes me so sad that I won’t get to see all of you enjoy our wonderful panto.
"I’d like to say a special thanks to the fabulous cast and crew at the Central Theatre who have helped me get through the last week and especially to Samantha Hughes who has so brilliantly stepped into my wicked shoes to make sure that the show goes on."
Theatre producer Chris Jordan, managing director of Jordan Productions, said, “We are so sorry that Gillian is unable to return to the role of Wicked Queen in Snow White for the rest of the panto season in Chatham. Like the trooper she is, Gill managed to get through the last week of rehearsals and the opening night of the panto whilst in a sling and a certain amount of discomfort.
"No one knew the extent of the injury until she came out of surgery, and we were all shocked to hear that the break was worse than anyone had thought. Obviously, Gill’s health and wellbeing are paramount so, whilst we are sorry that she can’t return to the show, we wish her a speedy recovery over the next few weeks and send her all our love from Jordan Productions and the cast and crew of Snow White at the Central Theatre Chatham.”
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