Gillian Wright (born Gillian Hambidge; 7th December 1959 in Bermondsey, London) is an English actress and former teacher who has portrayed Jean Slater in EastEnders since December 2004.
Wright is a graduate in Drama, English and Dance and was a teacher and theatre director before occupying acting roles. She was originally only signed for one episode on EastEnders in December 2004, but bosses brought her back into the show a year later for four more episodes. She then guest starred on and off until her character finally moved into Albert Square in November 2007. In 2006, Wright collected a Mental Health Media award for her portrayal of Jean Slater whom has bipolar disorder. Her departure from the show was announced in 2010, along with her on-screen daughter Stacey Branning, played by Lacey Turner but it was later confirmed that she would be returning in Spring 2011. In November 2017, it was confirmed that Wright would be returning in March 2018 alongside Kat, Mo and a new Slater. In 2022, she went on a break after the conclusion of Jean's bipolar relapse storyline.
Wright has also appeared in ChuckleVision, Casualty, Holby City, Sir Gadabout: The Worst Knight in the Land, Doctors, Heartbeat, Coronation Street, Dalziel and Pascoe, Silent Witness, The Bill and Spooks.