EastEnders' Gillian Wright's real-life injury written into soap as Jean returns

22 February 2023 , 10:14

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EastEnders' Gillian Wright's real-life injury written into soap as Jean returns

EastEnders actress Gillian Wright returned to Albert Square last night - with Jean sporting the actress' real life injury.

Gillian was rehearsing for pantomime at the end of last year when she ended up falling over and injuring herself. She broke her arm and as a result had to pull out of her role as the Wicked Queen.

Jean had been on holiday with Harvey but she returned to Walford last night to help out Stacey amid her daughter Lily's pregnancy. Lily has decided to keep the baby but is being tempted by her dad Ryan to visit and stay with him up north.

Gillian was injured in a pantomime (BBC)

As she made her way back to the Square, Jean had her arm in a sling as she was asked what happened.

"I broke it, erm, falling off a castle. Corfe castle. We were climbing the battlements. Actually the Wendy's were nonstop," she shared as fans noted the reference to the real reason why Gillian injured herself.

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Back in December, Gillian shared the announcement on her Instagram account as she revealed her injuries.

She's back on the Square as Jean (BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron)

"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. 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," she wrote at the time.

"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. Can’t believe the enormous repercussions of a little fall."

Jean has been a support for Stacey (BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron)

She added: "So much left to find with the Queen, lovely numbers and routines and rhyming couplet banter. "But the marvellous Samantha Hughes has stepped in and taken on the role with exquisite grandeur and cheekiness and aplomb!"

She later thanked her co-stars for being so supportive of her amid her injuries.

"Thank you cast mates for being so supportive. Will miss the adventure with you all," she penned as fans and friends rushed to social media to support her and offer their well wishes to the soap star.

Jasmine Allday