EastEnders’ actress Gillian Wright has starred in the BBC soap as Jean Slater for 21 years, and once had a near experience.

The actress has won over audiences with her compelling performance as Jean Slater on the hit BBC One soap and has earned widespread praise for her television work.

Throughout her time on the show, she has tackled numerous powerful storylines, addressing challenging subjects including ovarian cancer and mental health struggles.

Most recently, Jean’s mental health has spiralled once more, and she’s hellbent on finding out who killed Anthony Trueman (Nicholas Bailey) in The Vic on Christmas Day.

Away from the cameras, Gillian’s existence is equally compelling. So, let’s delve into what the soap favourite does when she’s not on Albert Square.

The 66-year-old’s passion for performing arts emerged early, and in 1982, she obtained a creative arts degree from Leeds. Yet, before rising to television stardom, she imparted her expertise and enthusiasm as an educator, reports OK!.

Gillian also helped establish Pilot Theatre in York back in 1981. This internationally recognised touring company focuses on delivering exceptional theatrical productions for young people, particularly those experiencing live performance for the first time.

The Pilot Theatre website states: “Across all our projects we seek to create a cultural space where young adults can encounter, express, and interrogate big ideas that are relevant to our lives right now.”

While many recognise her from her memorable stint in Albert Square, EastEnders represents just one chapter in Gillian’s impressive television career.

Her small screen debut came in 1994 with an appearance on the beloved children’s show Chucklevision, starring alongside brothers Paul and Barry Chuckle.

Since that initial break, the actress has built an enviable CV featuring acclaimed programmes including Casualty, Doctors, Coronation Street and Holby City.

Her stage work is equally impressive, with theatre credits encompassing Romeo and Juliet, Jane Eyre and How the Other Half Loves.

Gillian’s portrayal on the BBC One soap has garnered significant recognition throughout her career, beginning in 2006 when she received a Mental Health Media Award.

She claimed Best Actress at the Inside Soap Awards in 2012, followed by Best Female Dramatic Performance at the British Soap Awards in 2019.

The popular actress faced a terrifying health crisis back in 2015 when she was struck down with acute pancreatitis. The severity of her condition left Gillian confronting her own mortality.

Speaking to the Mirror, she revealed: “It was touch and go. It’s no exaggeration to say I had a real brush with death.

“The pain was unbearable. If somebody had given me the choice of living with that pain a day longer or swallowing a pill to end it all, I’d have taken the tablet.”