Soap Star To Leave Albert Square After Eight Years

Another EastEnders star is headed for the door as it is revealed Gillian Wright, who plays Jean Slater, is leaving.

The actress, whose exit will be broadcast in October, apparently told show bosses that she wants to branch out and take on other roles.

However the door has been left open so that Gillian can return if she wants. According to reports her exit storyline involves her new onscreen love interest Ollie (played by Tony O’Callaghan).

 

Actress Gillian Wright is the latest star to announce her departure.

A source told The Sun newspaper: “Jean Slater has had some good storylines but Gillian wants to move on.

“She told bosses several months ago that she was ready to leave, so they have been preparing the groundwork for her departure by developing the storyline with Ollie.”

Gillian joined Enders back in 2004 as the troubled Jean Slater struggling with her bipolar disorder. She left briefly in 2010 before returning the following year.

Jean Slater has had some incredible storylines over the last eight years. 

Speaking about her time on the show, she said: “It has been a huge privilege to play Jean Slater these last eight years. I treasure the viewers’ care and love for the character – not only though her hard times but through all the laughter too.

“I will miss EastEnders enormously but it is time for me to step back and enjoy other acting challenges. I would love Jean to return to The Square one day, so let’s hope this is not goodbye but au revoir!”

Her departure, which is the latest of many, will be the last thing bosses need as the show is said to be going through a rating crisis at the moment.