View Full Version : Jean Slater (Gillian Wright)
I read on another website that, according to the TV Times, EE are planning to bring back Jean Slater in the summer.
I think this might mean that Stacey's brother might make an appearance too. I think EE need to be carefull with this though, as Stacey is in danger of being overused. Still it could be interesting. I really hope it is the same actress who played Jean last time as she was really good.
littlemo
17-03-2006, 23:28
I read that on DS too. I put it on the Stacey/Bradley thread though because I thought if it had a source it didn't need to be in the rumour mill, just a thought.
Anyhow I am really glad Jean is coming back, and possibly Sean (did hear he was back in the autumn, I think that was DS again). The storyline with her and Stacey was fabulous, really emotional. In my opinion Stacey couldn't be overused, she is a fantastic character, and I wouldn't mind if she was in every episode. And Bradley of course!
I think the hospital would only let Jean out if she had somebody she could go to. We saw that none of her neighbours or 'friends' were very helpful to her, and she would definetely want to be with Stacey so Charlie is the obvious choice.
megan999
18-03-2006, 15:36
she would definetely want to be with Stacey so Charlie is the obvious choice.
I don't understand how Jean Slater is related to Charlie :searchme:
I read that on DS too. I put it on the Stacey/Bradley thread though because I thought if it had a source it didn't need to be in the rumour mill, just a thought.
Good thinking, littlemo. Maybe this thread should be closed then? :confused:
littlemo
18-03-2006, 21:21
I don't understand how Jean Slater is related to Charlie :searchme:
I'm not quite sure either! Characters do tend to have long lost relatives that spring up from nowhere. We didn't hear about Stacey until she arrived. I've heard that Stacey is Charlie's great niece, so seeing as Jean is her mum she must be some kind of sister-in-law I would think. Wouldn't Stacey be Charlie's siblings granchild? It can't be Harry because he didn't have kids (apart from Zoe). Has he mentioned any other brothers and sisters?
BlackKat
18-03-2006, 21:32
Going by the BBC family tree: Stacey's father Brian Slater is the son of Charlie's (and Harry's) sister Violet. :) Violet didn't marry Brian's father, hence why he (and Stacey) have the Slater surname.
littlemo
18-03-2006, 23:08
Going by the BBC family tree: Stacey's father Brian Slater is the son of Charlie's (and Harry's) sister Violet. :) Violet didn't marry Brian's father, hence why he (and Stacey) have the Slater surname.
Thanks for clearing that up. I wonder what Violet is doing now? is she alive? I can't remember her being mentioned. She should be involved in this Jean storyline shouldn't she?! Maybe her and Jean don't get on, and Jean's depression has something to do with her mother.
Violet is dead. On the night when Zoe discovered that Kat was her mother, Kat said something like 'The next time I saw him I was 18, hw came back for aunt Vi's funeral', which would mean that Violet died in 1988.
BlackKat
19-03-2006, 10:47
Vi would be Stacey's paternal grandmother. I'd like to see Stacey's grandparents from Jean's side as well. :)
LostVoodoo
19-03-2006, 11:35
crikey the Slater family tree is all a bit complicated!
littlemo
19-03-2006, 13:05
Violet is dead. On the night when Zoe discovered that Kat was her mother, Kat said something like 'The next time I saw him I was 18, hw came back for aunt Vi's funeral', which would mean that Violet died in 1988.
You've got a good memory! Now you mention it I do remember it being said, but it had slipped my mind.
Yeah it would be interesting to find out about Jean's family.
Vi would be Stacey's paternal grandmother. I'd like to see Stacey's grandparents from Jean's side as well. :)
Violet would have been Stacey's great aunt, not her grandmother.
BlackKat
19-03-2006, 15:19
Violet would have been Stacey's great aunt, not her grandmother.
No, she'd be her grandmother. Violet is Brian's mother, Brian is Stacey's father.
littlemo
21-03-2006, 13:15
O.k this is totally rumour, and maybe an off the wall idea but I was thinking it might be interesting if Jean and Max (Bradley's dad) knew each other? perhaps had a relationship for a few months (about a year ago), when she was at a low point in her life, a short time after her husband died. Maybe a combination of Brian's death and Max's behaviour made her have a relapse. Max is a violent man (so we hear), and when Stacey sees him she immediately recognises him as the man that hurt her mum. Maybe Max was the one that threw Sean out? And Stacey really despises him.
Now I don't think this is true, because we probably would have heard about it by now, but it could be good. Great storyline potential.
good storyline, not sure it will happen tho :S, the family tree is so confusing
littlemo
21-03-2006, 13:51
good storyline, not sure it will happen tho :S, the family tree is so confusing
Yeah, I know, shame, still there's probably other good storylines coming up.
crazygirl
24-03-2006, 19:38
jean slater was good i hope they do bring her back
DaVeyWaVey
26-03-2006, 18:05
It would be great if Jean returns :)
littlemo
09-04-2006, 22:10
Do you think it might be time this thread moved to the spoiler section?! I'm sure news of her appearing in the summer has been in several magazines.
Although there is a rumour (just appeared on DS), which says that she dies in hospital and Sean comes looking for Stacey. Which I think is wrong because of the fact that news of her appearing seems to be true. But they could have changed their minds. I actually think that could be a good storyline.
I think it would be difficult to have someone like Jean be a permanent character. For starters how would the Slaters cope?! they just would have gotten rid of Little Mo, and probably looking forward to some peace, and then she'd arrive. It would be very hard.
littlemo
10-04-2006, 21:52
It has been confirmed by Digital Spy (news article) that Jean Slater is returning in the Summer. They suspect mid June, which I think is accurate. I read the actresses that play Jean and Stacey are supporting carers, in some event that's happening at that time, so I think it will coincide with that. Very exciting!
It seems both Bradley and Stacey are going to have storylines involving their parents during the Summer months. Which is great!
I don't know how to move threads to another board, so if somebody would like to close the rumour mill thread feel free.
shannisrules
10-04-2006, 22:00
yey this should be good to watch i love the emotional side of stacey she can be so mouthy then all of a sudden turn to caring and loving we may hear about sean to
littlemo
10-04-2006, 22:04
yey this should be good to watch i love the emotional side of stacey she can be so mouthy then all of a sudden turn to caring and loving we may hear about sean to
Yeah I like that side of Stacey too. She's got a great personality!
Jean's a great character too! They portrayed the storyline very realistically.
I heard a rumour Sean was coming into it in the Autumn, but it's just rumour at the moment. There's bound to a good story surrounding him.
big bro fan
10-04-2006, 23:06
Is that Stacey's mum (ha ha the song Stacey's mum has got it going on :rotfl: ) anyway is she the women living in that dirty house and was knocked down by a train.
Yes she is. There was a storyline with her and Stacy sometime last year. I like the storyline with her and Stacy. It's quite emotional.
Chris_2k11
10-04-2006, 23:17
Is that Stacey's mum (ha ha the song Stacey's mum has got it going on :rotfl: )Lmao you actually made me laugh there :rotfl: :bow: :o
Maybe her mum coming back into it is a way to set the scene for her brother to make an appearance. I don't think they would have mentioned him and have Stacey take that photo of them if he was never to be mentioned again.
Personally, I would not take something from digitalspy as conformation though as they have gotten things wrong in the past. I hope it is true though :)
melmarshall858
11-04-2006, 09:14
I think this wouls be good because as someone else said it brings out a completely different more vulnerable side to Stacy so this with how she looks after Ruby and is developing feelings for Bradley could make her an even more lovable character.
eastenders mad
11-04-2006, 10:10
that is great that Jean is coming back in. I hope she gets a bit better
lisa cullumbine
11-04-2006, 12:44
:thumbsdow i think stacey is a lovable person in her own way personally i think it wont be such a good thing really as stacey is already trying to support ruby with her problems and poor stacey dosent really need the problems of her mum again bless her she needs to be able to find herself and live her life and support herself at the same time
DaVeyWaVey
12-04-2006, 23:03
I am glad Jean is returning. Her and Stacey's scenes were very emotional and they are both trumendous actresses. I just hope Sean isn't far behind :)
I am glad Jean is returning. Her and Stacey's scenes were very emotional and they are both trumendous actresses. I just hope Sean isn't far behind :)
According to DS, Sean is joining the show soon.
Quote from DS: "The character of Sean Slater WILL be joining later this year. Among those actors rumoured to be playing the part is Abs Breen of former boyband 5ive fame. Sean is the brother of Stacey Slater (Lacey Turner) and the son of Jean Slater (Gillian Wright)."
I liked the actress who played Stacey's mum, she was portrayed really well. The scenes between her and Stacey were great, v. emotional and realistic. It would seem weird not to bring her back.
Stupid question but - what did happen to Sean? Is he in a cupboard somewhere? lol
DaVeyWaVey
15-04-2006, 17:38
I liked the actress who played Stacey's mum, she was portrayed really well. The scenes between her and Stacey were great, v. emotional and realistic. It would seem weird not to bring her back.
Stupid question but - what did happen to Sean? Is he in a cupboard somewhere? lol
The last thing i heard was that Sean ran away from home :)
littlemo
15-04-2006, 20:49
Stupid question but - what did happen to Sean? Is he in a cupboard somewhere? lol
We don't know what's happened to him. Neither Stacey or Jean gave anything away. There seems to be a lot of mystery surrounding his disappearance. We think Sean's going to come into it, so I doubt he's dead. But other than that, I can't wait to see what the truth is.
littlemo
16-04-2006, 00:34
Is anyone here familiar with the imbd website. According to them Jean appears on May 19th. Someone mentioned on DS thread 'Stacey and her mum' and there was a link to the website. I think it's false because I heard she was appearing in June. May seems awfully soon! I think she'd be filming by now, if she was going to be in it then.
But I'm just wondering how accurate the website usually is! They also mentioned that somebody named Andy is going to be in on this episode, and I don't know who they are talking about. Which leads me to believe it's false.
DaVeyWaVey
16-04-2006, 11:07
Is anyone here familiar with the imbd website. According to them Jean appears on May 19th. Someone mentioned on DS thread 'Stacey and her mum' and there was a link to the website. I think it's false because I heard she was appearing in June. May seems awfully soon! I think she'd be filming by now, if she was going to be in it then.
But I'm just wondering how accurate the website usually is! They also mentioned that somebody named Andy is going to be in on this episode, and I don't know who they are talking about. Which leads me to believe it's false.
It probably is unreliable then because i haven't heard anyone called Andy joining or being in that episode?? :confused: and we would probably know if Jean had started filming :)
di marco
16-04-2006, 11:19
Is anyone here familiar with the imbd website. According to them Jean appears on May 19th. Someone mentioned on DS thread 'Stacey and her mum' and there was a link to the website. I think it's false because I heard she was appearing in June. May seems awfully soon! I think she'd be filming by now, if she was going to be in it then.
But I'm just wondering how accurate the website usually is! They also mentioned that somebody named Andy is going to be in on this episode, and I don't know who they are talking about. Which leads me to believe it's false.
well the website ive found is quite good for looking up characters/dates etc for different films, never really used it to look at whats coming up on tv shows though. although, when ive been on there it looks like its easy for anyone to update and add things on so it could possibly be someone adding something just for the sake of it which might not actually be true (if that makes sense)
DaVeyWaVey
16-04-2006, 11:21
well the website ive found is quite good for looking up characters/dates etc for different films, never really used it to look at whats coming up on tv shows though. although, when ive been on there it looks like its easy for anyone to update and add things on so it could possibly be someone adding something just for the sake of it which might not actually be true (if that makes sense)
Yeah i know what your saying. I have never actually been on the imdb website so don't know how reliable it is, but i think this information is probably false :)
leanne27
16-04-2006, 13:55
so is sean supposed to be Stacey's brother? there is obviously bad feeling between Jean and Sean as his picture was covered over wasn't it on the photo.
so is sean supposed to be Stacey's brother? there is obviously bad feeling between Jean and Sean as his picture was covered over wasn't it on the photo.
Yes, Sean is Stacey's brother. There is a bad feeling between Sean and Jean because he ran away from home.
littlemo
16-04-2006, 17:26
Yes, Sean is Stacey's brother. There is a bad feeling between Sean and Jean because he ran away from home.
Do you know that he ran away from home?! I didn't think they mentioned anything?!
It could be that Sean was put into foster care, but I think he was older than Stacey, so probably not. Or there could me another reason for him not being around. Maybe Sean had a different dad to Stacey, and he took him (when Jean got ill). That could be seen as a sign of neglect by Jean, and that might be the reason they've fallen out.
Maybe Sean couldn't cope with Jean's problems anymore and decided to leave home and he just never got in touch again and this angered Jean cos she seemed a bit angered that Stacey went to live with the Slaters. Jean was pretty mean to Stacey and placed a huge burden on her so she could have done the same to Sean but he just upped and left leaving just Jean and Stacey to cope with everything.
DaVeyWaVey
16-04-2006, 20:14
Do you know that he ran away from home?! I didn't think they mentioned anything?!
It could be that Sean was put into foster care, but I think he was older than Stacey, so probably not. Or there could me another reason for him not being around. Maybe Sean had a different dad to Stacey, and he took him (when Jean got ill). That could be seen as a sign of neglect by Jean, and that might be the reason they've fallen out.
I am sure it was mentioned that Sean ran away from home when it was the week that Stacey looked after her mum :)
di marco
16-04-2006, 20:20
I am sure it was mentioned that Sean ran away from home when it was the week that Stacey looked after her mum :)
was it? i thought we didnt find anything out about him til right at the end of the week when stacey said his name and that was it? i could be wrong though
DaVeyWaVey
16-04-2006, 20:23
was it? i thought we didnt find anything out about him til right at the end of the week when stacey said his name and that was it? i could be wrong though
Yeah i could be wrong about what i said as well. I am sure it was mentioned that he ran away though :)
leanne27
16-04-2006, 20:30
Do you know that he ran away from home?! I didn't think they mentioned anything?!
It could be that Sean was put into foster care, but I think he was older than Stacey, so probably not. Or there could me another reason for him not being around. Maybe Sean had a different dad to Stacey, and he took him (when Jean got ill). That could be seen as a sign of neglect by Jean, and that might be the reason they've fallen out.
i think that sounds about right as sean would still be young maybe too young to provide and look after himself
littlemo
16-04-2006, 21:52
was it? i thought we didnt find anything out about him til right at the end of the week when stacey said his name and that was it? i could be wrong though
I'm sure your right! It was left on a cliffhanger. Nobody knew who Sean was! Stacey unfolded the photo to reveal Sean right at the end of the episode. We assume it's her brother, and we think he's going to make an appearance in EE sometime in the future, but I don't think it's been confirmed.
littlemo
16-04-2006, 23:57
Exciting news about Sean! I think we know that's it's been confirmed he will be making an appearance later in the year but it also says that he will come into Walford with a bang and he will be at the centre of some of the biggest storylines of the year.
There's a small article on DS stating this.
littlemo
17-04-2006, 00:39
Maybe Sean couldn't cope with Jean's problems anymore and decided to leave home and he just never got in touch again and this angered Jean cos she seemed a bit angered that Stacey went to live with the Slaters. Jean was pretty mean to Stacey and placed a huge burden on her so she could have done the same to Sean but he just upped and left leaving just Jean and Stacey to cope with everything.
It could be just as simple as that. But to not even phone, your mum or your sister who you care a lot about, seems to be very rash. I think there might be more to it.
And if Sean is going to be in the centre of the biggest storylines of the year, I think the reason he's gone away might be quite significant to the plot. It says he comes in with a bang! They'll have to get a really good actor to play this part! Lacey Turner standard!
DaVeyWaVey
17-04-2006, 09:56
Exciting news about Sean! I think we know that's it's been confirmed he will be making an appearance later in the year but it also says that he will come into Walford with a bang and he will be at the centre of some of the biggest storylines of the year.
There's a small article on DS stating this.
Oh that's great news. I can't wait. I wonder who they will cast for the part of Sean??
leanne27
17-04-2006, 10:04
if they dont manage to get the right actor the character won't live up to his potential so i hope they get someone really up to the job LOL
DaVeyWaVey
17-04-2006, 10:14
if they dont manage to get the right actor the character won't live up to his potential so i hope they get someone really up to the job LOL
Yep someone who is a great actor, preferably with acting experience behind him and also someone who can have great chemistry with Stacey, Jean and the Slaters on screen :)
littlemo
17-04-2006, 13:16
Yep someone who is a great actor, preferably with acting experience behind him and also someone who can have great chemistry with Stacey, Jean and the Slaters on screen :)
Yeah definetely!
To be fair they have chosen some new characters well (of late). Bradley's great! And I think the Wicks have potential.
I'm really looking forward to seeing Sean! What could the secret be?! Really exciting!
Nice that they are bringing families in for both Stacey and Bradley. It will give them a lot to do! Which I really like.
The only thing I'm slightly concerned about is that Stacey might become more solid. At the moment she's quite vulnerable and uses her hard attitude as a defence mechanism. But if she has a proper family, it's like there'll be no reason for us to feel sorry for her.
littlemo
17-04-2006, 15:02
I've just been watching clips of Jean and Stacey on the BBC EE site. But the clip where Stacey looks at the photo of Sean is very dark, and I can't see it. I'd like to see what he looks like again.
Also it says that Jean keeps saying to Stacey that what happened to Brian wasn't an accident. I wonder if there's any truth in that?! Maybe Jean pushed him off the building, that would be interesting!
di marco
17-04-2006, 16:13
Also it says that Jean keeps saying to Stacey that what happened to Brian wasn't an accident. I wonder if there's any truth in that?! Maybe Jean pushed him off the building, that would be interesting!
or maybe sean did for some reason?
.:SpIcYsPy:.
17-04-2006, 18:19
I'm glad Jean's coming back again. She shows more of Stacey and they work so well together :thumbsup:
littlemo
17-04-2006, 21:21
or maybe sean did for some reason?
Maybe. Perhaps a big family secret will come out of the wood work!
DaVeyWaVey
18-04-2006, 18:02
Maybe. Perhaps a big family secret will come out of the wood work!
That would be brilliant if they did that and it would also be great if it was totally unpredictable and we didn't know the big secret until the last minute, with lots of twists and turns as well. I think if EE took this route, they would do it really well :)
littlemo
21-04-2006, 12:21
Sharon Marshall said this morning that Sean is going to be in his early twenties, and he's going to be gorgeous! He still haven't cast yet, but she knows what kind of man they are looking for.
He has to be somebody who can act, which I think he'll be very good at too. Maybe another Nigel Harman?
littlemo
03-05-2006, 21:01
I read in Soaplife that Jean is only in a couple of episodes in the Summer. It seems that she's not a permanent character. I thought she might be, but it suggests she's not.
The snippet is towards the front, where it says whose coming and going from the soaps.
I think a lot of people have felt that it would be a difficult storyline for EE to handle. Dealing with a character who has such mental difficulties on a permanent basis. I'm not sure whether the scenes are going to be in Walford. I think Sean is a permanent character, so perhaps they meet up at the mental hospital and then Stacey and Sean progress to Walford. Hope Jean doesn't die, that would be sad! But I suppose a good an idea in order for the story to progress.
It would be understandable for Sean to come back to Walford because he feels an obligation to Stacey. If Jean were to die.
crazygirl
04-05-2006, 13:51
i hope they do bring her back but i hope they dont kill her off
Jessica Watson
11-10-2006, 18:05
This was in The Star today along with the same pic DS have used in their article.
Here is the info
http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/article/ds38040.html
Mr Humphries
11-10-2006, 18:33
Fabulous Well Done ! Hopefully she can sort out her son awful bad acting ! Does Jean's arrival mean more Sean's Looks !!!
littlemo
11-10-2006, 18:40
The question asked if she was back for another stint, and she said yes. It didn't say she was back full time. Unless I was reading the wrong bit.
I am very excited about this! I love the scenes between Jean and Stacey.
I wonder if there was more to Brian's death than people think. I reckon that could be something they could look into.
Jessica Watson
11-10-2006, 18:46
The question asked if she was back for another stint, and she said yes. It didn't say she was back full time. Unless I was reading the wrong bit.
No there is a full article on this in The Daily Star newpaper. It says producers ''snapped her up full time'' in that.
I will try and scan it tomorrow and post it up here.
EE Rocks
11-10-2006, 18:56
Fantastic news! She is great, and there is soo much that need exploring regarding Sean and Jean. She and Lacey are brilliant!!!
Looks like it will be great at x-mas with slaters.
crazygirl
11-10-2006, 19:07
im really pleased about that she is a fantastic character
This is great. She and Lacey work so well together on screen. It should be good :)
Sam-Elle
11-10-2006, 19:55
oh i liked jean, good to see that shes signed up full time. cant wait till she's on.
Maybe she could work in the laundrette with Dot. Dot is going to need a new friend. :)
Dutchgirl
12-10-2006, 20:22
Congrats to Gillian and Lacey they were fabulous in their episodes together.:clap:
littlemo
14-10-2006, 15:38
Yeah i'm really excited!
Do you think Jean will realise that Bradley isn't good enough for Stacey? Her first impressions of him were pretty good, but he's not treating her very well at the moment. I can see her getting quite viscious! lol.
lisa cullumbine
16-10-2006, 12:53
:hmm: oh god i cant believe they are signing her up full time ive got to admit i felt sorry for stacey when she had to put up with her mum treating her the way she did i no she wasent well but i did take an instant dislike to her she is going to get on my nerves being in it more ahhhhhhhhhhh
Mr Humphries
16-10-2006, 13:19
Pleased they have signed her up because I thought that she was a good actress to have in the show! Will help the Slater Clan no end
lisa cullumbine
16-10-2006, 14:44
:thumbsdow if thats good acting i would like to see what bad acting is like oh my god no wonder eastenders is sinking and i love this soap
Jessica Watson
16-10-2006, 14:55
:thumbsdow if thats good acting i would like to see what bad acting is like oh my god no wonder eastenders is sinking and i love this soap
So whats your idea of a good actress then? could I have a list of current stars in EE that you think are good.
should be an interesting read
lisa cullumbine
16-10-2006, 15:02
:hmm: i think phil mitchell / angie watts / den watts / mo slater need i go on they seem to fit in and dont make their acting look false and a struggle to work with i just dont think staceys mum fits the bill for being a slater or interesting
:hmm: i think phil mitchell / angie watts / den watts / mo slater need i go on they seem to fit in and dont make their acting look false and a struggle to work with i just dont think staceys mum fits the bill for being a slater or interesting
I would agree with Angie and Den watts and Mo but not so much phil.. You are right about Jean.. good as a bit character but not for full time... I understand about force acting.. look at Deano, Sean, Naomi and Dawn.
just thought of another person who fitting in so natural.. June Brown and Tamzin Outhwaite
lisa cullumbine
16-10-2006, 15:43
:) yes i agree totally you can see the way deano and dawn and carly put over their acting its almost strained i suppose some people take to it like a fish to water and others dont but it notices in the likes of jean slater as well and it just dont cut it
I like the character of Jean Slater and the woman who plays her, played her well but I can't see her as full EE. I think in the Square it would all be too forced acting.
BEWILDERED Jean Slater is helped home after falling asleep in the street as she struggles to cope with son Sean’s mystery disappearance.
Jean’s bipolar disorder is set off by her son’s shock departure, but daughter Stacey (Lacey Turner, 20) and Mo Harris (Laila Morse, 63) are on hand to rescue deeply depressed Jean (Gillian Wright, 36).
sindydoll
07-01-2009, 21:54
jean 36?????? :confused:
The actress who plays Jean is 36. Have to say, Gillian looks older than that.
LostVoodoo
08-01-2009, 04:51
that's exactly what i was thinking! 46 maybe!
sindydoll
08-01-2009, 07:41
no she is never 36
matt1378
16-01-2009, 13:44
yea no way 36 :hmm:
sindydoll
16-01-2009, 17:44
she is 50 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jean_Slater
parkerman
17-01-2009, 09:12
51 even....:)
Dutchgirl
17-01-2009, 11:24
My it set me thinking. I'm 37 (nearly 38) and I do not look that old. But for 51 she looks good.
fareehab4ne1
17-01-2009, 11:31
Jean showed brilliant acting on friday's show
sindydoll
17-01-2009, 14:29
My it set me thinking. I'm 37 (nearly 38) and I do not look that old. But for 51 she looks good.im nearly 39 and i dont look like that either :lol:
Starting life as a minor character in December 2004, EastEnders fan favourite Jean Slater - played by Gillian Wright - was quickly promoted to a series regular and moved onto the Square to live with her daughter Stacey at Number 23. Following the disappearance of her son Sean (Rob Kazinsky) at the beginning of the year, Jean struggled to cope and went through a bad patch with her illness, which resulted in her seeking medical assistance and being taken away for some respite. Now back home, Jean's about to embark on a key storyline with her screen daughter Stacey (Lacey Turner). We gave Gillian a call to find out more.
You must've been pleased when they turned Jean into a regular character?
"I don't think she was ever intended to be a regular. She snuck in the back door really! She's a character that's grown after being created for a week of episodes back in 2005 for that big storyline where Stacey found Jean in the flat that was all boarded up. There was the odd little bit here and there over the following months and it just gradually built up to becoming a regular. It was quite hard to turn her from someone who was quite an intensive character to someone who could be watched on a regular basis."
She's quite a complicated character, too, isn't she?
"Yes. She's slightly quirky and off-kilter but also has bi-polar, if that makes sense? The disorder's different for everybody. I wait until the scripts come in and sometimes I think 'we've been on a flat level for too long' so I find a way within the dialogue to make it a bit difference."
You can be quite creative with the character, then?
"Yeah. It's an absolute privilege to be able to do that. I have a little bit more freedom to be quirky! Although there's an absolute sense of responsibility that comes with it, too. Thousands of people suffer with bi-polar and I have a keen sense to want to maintain some integrity with the part."
Is it easy to slip in and out of Jean mode?
"It's funny you should say that. It's becoming easier and easier. Last autumn, I had a little time out to do a play with a director that I've worked with on and off for the last 20 years. As soon as I hit the rehearsal room, [the director] was pulling me up quite quickly, saying 'what are you doing with your hand?' I realised I was doing what Jean does with her hand! As soon as I have Jean's shoes on, though, it's comes quite quickly!"
You've built up such a great screen relationship with Lacey. What's it like working with her?
"It's absolutely great. Our working relationship has grown especially over the last couple of years, and when I first started she was only 16/17. Everybody's really generous to us on set and quite often, they'll say 'what would you like to do?' or 'how do you want to play this?' They'll sometimes let us just play the scene and shoot what we've offered."
You have some great scenes coming up together, too, haven't you? What's to come?
"From Stacey's point of view, she's had her brother Sean leaving, then Jean putting herself into care after a bad patch and then Danielle's death - that's been a lot for her to deal with. Jean begins to see unexpected and erratic behaviour from Stacey - she starts acting a little like a naughty teenager. Jean's quite surprised by it all, but in her head, she just puts it down to the fact that her daughter's been through a lot over the last few months. She's worried, though."
What's the most challenging aspect of the role?
"Quite often the scenes I shoot are back-to-back and there are quite a lot of them. You get yourself into the 'place' or the frame of mind you need to be in for the scenes and it's hanging on to that between takes without letting the feelings or mood intensify - it's quite tiring and emotionally demanding."
There's a lot about Jean that we don't know, isn't there?
"Oh, yeah! I'm forever running up to the office saying 'I've got a great idea!' What's so wonderful about this part is that you have so many members of the public talking to you about their own bi-polar disorder or their bi-polar friend. There are so many stories to be told and in the most unexpected places. About a year ago, I was trying to buy a new mattress and I went to a department store testing them all out. Then one of the assistants came to help me with my decision and it was about five minutes later that I found myself in the most remarkable situation - lying on a mattress with a sales assistant lying beside me telling me her stories which were highly entertaining. At the same time, I was acutely aware that there were other shoppers walking around doing a double-take saying 'that's Jean Slater lying there!'"
Do you enjoy working on the show?
"Absolutely. It's always a surprise. I couldn't believe when I walked into the Second AD's office to let them know I was there and Josie Lawrence was sat there! She's such a witty woman and I love her on Just A Minute - it's one of my favourite programmes. I found myself quite nervous and I always forget that people will probably recognise me and I asked 'what are you doing here?' and she told me she'd joined! She got the dressing room next to mine which I was very excited about and ever since I've been begging the producers to give me a scene with her. I'm still campaigning!"
Jean Slater on Sean, jobs and love
Yesterday, I managed to grab a chat with a personal EastEnders favourite of mine Gillian Wright - Jean Slater in the Walford soap - about her forthcoming story with her screen daughter Stacey (Lacey Turner).
Click here to read the main part of the interview, but read on for some juicy bonus excerpts from my time with Gillian, where she reveals that Jean finally gets a job!
I had of e-mails at the time asking whether Jean was coming back or not!
"I was wondering the same thing! I remember getting the scripts where I gave Stacey a kiss goodbye and I got driven off. The last direction in the script for that episode said 'out on Stacey as the last of her family leave her' and I thought 'oh, heck, lots of people leave Walford in a car!'"
Do you miss Rob Kazinsky?
"Yeah. He was a bit of a joker and I miss him very much."
Does Jean miss Sean?
"Oh yeah. There are always those things that you don't speak about in families, though, aren't there? There are so many families that could relate to the unspoken that everyone knows is there. For example, not mentioning someone's name or not mentioning the emotional baggage that's carried around with them. That's why I like that side of Jean. Sean's still very much in her mind."
Do you get recognised a lot while you're out?"I do quite often get asked if I'm alright while I'm out. Usually in the vegetable department of a supermarket! Even when I go out with a hat and sunglasses. I do wonder whether it's my chin that gives me away!"
What else is to come for Jean?
"Well, she'll be getting a job which gives her a bit of confidence and she's reaching a more positive plateau in her life. The storyline that happens with Stacey puts Jean in a different place than the audience has seen her before. She starts forging her way through her situation and accepts some responsibility."
How much like Jean are you in real life?
"I'm very different. Although it's slightly unnerving when you speak to someone over the phone or receive a delivery of a shed or something and they say 'I recognise your voice from somewhere…'"
How would you like to see Jean develop?
"I would very much like to explore Jean's character that is outside being a mother that is always failing or the mother that's always a drain on Stacey. I was desperate to have a screen relationship and they brought in Richard Hope as Ted. It was a lovely little storyline and it was so refreshing to be playing Jean falling in love and worrying about her looks and her age."
Will Jean ever find love again?
"I hope so! I'd like to think so anyway. There's a lot of scope."
How about Charlie? Although isn't he a relative?
"Charlie's the brother of Brian, Jean's late husband…"
You could do a Peggy and switch brothers…
"[Laughs]"
What's happened to Jean's cosmetics?
"They went into the bin, never to be see again!"
Does she have a job yet?
"She does have a job, yes... I don't know if I'm allowed to say. All I'll say is that there was a subtle clue during the huge Peggy and Archie wedding episode… I'll leave you guessing!"
Is there anything you're waiting for the storyliners to do with Jean?
"I'd love for her to work behind the bar for a night or something. Putting her in positions where you wouldn't expect her to be. Or maybe doing a day taxi driving or a day on the switchboard!"
Maybe something to do with flowers. Just before Archie n Peggy's wedding she was in the pub with Ian and was looking at the flowers that needed sorting out onto tables etc so maybe she might become a florist
EastEnders star Gillian Wright has revealed that she thinks that her character has a unique bond with her daughter Stacey Branning.
The actress, who plays Jean Slater in the BBC One soap, admitted that their relationship goes a lot deeper than the pair both suffering from bipolar disorder.
Speaking to Inside Soap, she said: "Her relationship with Stacey is unique. Not just because they both live with bipolar disorder, either.
"There's a lot of comedy and they really care for each other. It's all a bit strange at times, but there's a huge amount of love as well."
Wright, who will leave Albert Square at the end of the year, added that she doesn't know how her character will exit the show, but said that she hopes to find "something different" for her next role.
tammyy2j
31-08-2010, 12:23
I'll miss Jean and Stacey
EastEnders star Gillian Wright has landed a new deal which will see her return to the BBC soap in the spring, Digital Spy can exclusively reveal.
Back in April, it was confirmed that the actress's character Jean Slater will be leaving Walford at the end of this year. The news emerged alongside the announcement that Wright's screen daughter Lacey Turner had decided to bow out from her role as Stacey.
However, in a surprise twist, the show's team have now created a comeback storyline for Jean - although details of how and why she will return to Albert Square are currently being kept closely under wraps.
An EastEnders spokesperson today told DS: "Jean Slater will leave Walford around the end of this year, however we're pleased to say she will return to our screens in spring 2011.
"Everyone knows Stacey will make a dramatic departure from Albert Square on Christmas Day, but we don't want to say too much about what this means for Jean at this point as we want viewers to enjoy the drama as it unfolds on screen."
Wright has played the role of Jean on and off since 2004, originally appearing as a minor cast member before later becoming a Walford regular. Her portrayal of Jean's bipolar disorder has received particular acclaim, including from the mental health charity Mind.
Earlier this year, the star told DS that her time with EastEnders has been "wonderful" and "a privilege".
tammyy2j
26-11-2010, 11:08
I dont see the point of Jean staying without Stacey tbh
Stacey might come back sooner than expected, if her dream of making it big in Hollywood does not realise. The same would apply to her brother, not seen Rob Kazinsky on our screens since his departure.
... not seen Rob Kazinsky on our screens since his departure.
He's landed a decent role in Peter Jackson's The Hobbit, so I don't think he'll be back in the square any time soon.
sean slater
03-12-2010, 00:27
Yeh it is kinda strange to bring back Jean.
I dont see the point of Jean staying without Stacey tbh
Me either
parkerman
04-12-2010, 13:36
I dont see the point of Jean staying without Stacey tbh
It's difficult to say without seeing it though, isn't it?
Dutchgirl
05-12-2010, 15:05
Well if Charlie is leaving it also would be strange to keep Mo. But she could make a nice team with Jeaan. Jean also works well with Kat and Alfie so I can see it being a success.
EastEnders star Gillian Wright has revealed that she would like her character Jean Slater to find love once she arrives back on Albert Square.
Jean returns to the BBC soap early next week as she completes her course in a psychiatric clinic and heads back to the Queen Vic to stay with Kat and Alfie Moon.
Speaking to Inside Soap about the possibility of romance ahead for her character, Wright commented: "Of course I would like her to get a new man! Everyone wants Jean to find love.
"The two questions I'm always asked are, 'Where did Jean buy the pink flamingo cardigan?' and 'When will Jean find love?' But I don't think I'd match her up with anyone from Walford!"
Discussing the public's response to her role, she continued: "I get nothing but smiles, hugs and kisses. And the occasional person asks if I'm okay and if I need any help!
"What's great for me is that a lot of people come over to tell me that Jean is their favourite character in the show - that's just really lovely."
Wright has played the role of Jean on-and-off since 2004. The decision to keep the character in Albert Square was confirmed by bosses last November.
DS
EastEnders star Gillian Wright has claimed that Jean Slater is potentially "cruel, ugly and nasty".
Her character Jean, who suffers from bipolar disorder, became the victim of fraud earlier this year when she involved herself with businessman Michael Moon.
Wright, who won the 'Best Actress' award at last week's Inside Soap Awards, was asked by the BBC why fans might be fond of her alter ego.
She responded: "Maybe her honesty? Whether she's up or down, she tries her best, even if her best can be pathetic! She can be cruel, ugly and nasty, but at the same time she can be quite funny.
"I hope I'm always surprising the audience. You can never really anticipate how she's going to behave."
Meanwhile, the actress also revealed that Jean would be taking a "back seat" for a while, sharing some light-hearted scenes behind the Vic bar with Fatboy.
"I'm currently taking a very nice back seat with Ricky Norwood in the Queen Vic," the star added. "We've had a few lovely moments, and we're enjoying working together."
EastEnders actress Gillian Wright is to leave the soap after eight years as Jean Slater.
The 53-year-old is shooting her final scenes this week, with her last moments on screen due to air in October.
Wright first appeared on the BBC soap as Jean Slater in late 2004, before being made a regular member in 2007.
The actress has won several awards for her portrayal of the bipolar disorder sufferer, including 'Best Actress' at the 2012 Inside Soap Awards.
Jean's departure from Albert Square is thought to be linked with newcomer Ollie. As the pair continue to grow close, Jean deliberates over telling him about her condition.
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Jean and Ollie end their date with a kiss.
© BBC
Jean's departure is thought to be linked to Ollie
In a statement, the actress 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 through 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."
:( I like her character
Great character and actor, hope she does return ,if only for some short stints.
tammyy2j
31-07-2013, 15:17
I hope she leaves happy with Ollie
tammyy2j
31-07-2013, 16:03
She don't look 53
I don't watch EastEnders that much any more but I'm gutted :( Jean is my favourite character.
Hope she does get a happy ending but I'm not convinced that she will, as I believe that Ollie is a guest character. Until October seems a bit long for a stint as a guest character..
Depends on how much screen time there is for him; lets think positive and give romance a chance... just for a change
tammyy2j
01-08-2013, 16:01
Jean deserves a happy ending
EastEnders actress Gillian Wright is to star in a new play.
The actress - Jean Slater in the soap - will star in Steven Berkoff's Religion and Anarchy, which runs at Jermyn Street Theatre, London from September 24 to October 26.
Anthony Barclay, Lucy Hollis, Tom Lincoln and Clive Mendus are also set to be in the play. It is one of a season of short plays by writer, director and actor Berkoff.
They each centre around the theme of anti-Semitism that the dramatist believes still prevails within Britain.
Wright's last scenes on EastEnders will be aired in October. She is quitting the show after eight years as madcap character Jean.
She said at the time: "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 through 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."
Jean Slater makes a big decision on EastEnders next week as she tells boyfriend Ollie Walters that she has bipolar disorder.
A nervous Jean (Gillian Wright) confides in Ollie (Tony O'Callaghan) after Alfie Moon urges her to be honest with him.
With the pressure of hiding the truth becoming too much for Jean to handle, Alfie fears that she will have another manic episode if the situation doesn't change.
Taking a leap of faith, Jean works up the courage to tell Ollie about her condition, but she's hurt when he doesn't know how to react.
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Jean finally works up the courage to tell Ollie that she is bipolar.
© BBC
Jean confides in Ollie
Ollie later returns and tells Jean that he's been busy researching her condition as he believes they have a future together. Although Jean is delighted by his support, her concerns return when she sees that he isn't comfortable as her manic behaviour starts to resurface.
Believing that Ollie would never be able to cope with the dark times she can sometimes suffer, Jean makes the difficult choice to call time on their relationship, leaving both of them devastated. Is this the end for Jean and Ollie's story?
EastEnders airs these scenes on Thursday, August 29 and Friday, August 30 on BBC One.
EastEnders star Gillian Wright has said that she is glad her character Jean Slater's story has changed the way people think about bipolar.
Jean will bow out of Walford next week to begin a new life with Ollie.
Speaking on ITV's This Morning, Wright said: "When I first hit the screens, people would shout derogatory terms at me in a funny way - nothing ever cruel. But as the years have gone on, that name calling has stopped.
"Jean's bipolar has taken her to the edge, certainly in the early years where she wanted to remove herself from this world, and she has come back from it.
"Those experiences have got her to a place where she knew what the signs were. We have seen how it affects the other people in the square and the family and friends who are also dealing with it. It doesn't always have to be about the extremes."
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Jean leaves to start her new life.
© BBC
Jean leaves to start her new life.
Speaking about her decision to leave the role after eight years, Wright said: "I have got to a point where I felt that I just needed to step back from the character for a bit.
"I have played her so intensely for so long and needed to experience other acting opportunities."
EastEnders airs Jean's final scenes on Tuesday, September 17 at 7.30pm on BBC One.
EastEnders bosses have confirmed that Gillian Wright is reprising her role as Jean Slater for a short stint.
Jean will be back on screen later this year, when she will be reunited with her daughter Stacey.
Fans know that Stacey is currently awaiting trial in prison after confessing to the murder of Archie Mitchell. However, there are more twists and turns ahead as Lacey Turner - who plays Stacey - is returning to EastEnders on a permanent basis in the summer.
Speaking of the upcoming storyline, Wright commented: "I feel very honoured to be asked to reprise my role as Jean Slater for a short while. The storyline promises to be challenging and exciting!
"I look forward to playing again with old friends and new, and to pick up the special relationship between Stacey and Jean."
EastEnders' executive producer Dominic Treadwell-Collins added: "We are so pleased to have Gillian back with us to reprise her role as Jean Slater, albeit briefly. Stacey and Jean have such a rich, loving but difficult history.
"There is still so much to plumb between them as we delve deeper into what it means to have bipolar disorder as a mother but also as a daughter. There are some truly heartbreaking scenes ahead for our audience."
Jean was last seen on Albert Square in September 2013, when she left to start a new life with her boyfriend Ollie. She has been part of the show on and off since 2004.
Wright's portrayal of Jean's bipolar disorder has been widely acclaimed over the years, with the storyline being recognised by the charity Mind at the Mental Health Media Awards in 2009.
I hope she will stay with Ollie and is not coming back because they have split!
Jean Slater's EastEnders return storyline will see her plotting to get her daughter Stacey out of prison, it has been revealed.
Gillian Wright recently returned to the show's set to film a guest stint as Jean, while Stacey will be back on our screens on a permanent basis.
New details of Jean's return were revealed on This Morning today (July 10) as EastEnders released some exclusive story teasers to the ITV daytime show.
Soaps correspondent Sharon Marshall, also a regular scriptwriter for EastEnders, commented: "We know Stacey's on remand for Archie's murder, but her mother Jean thinks she's got a way of getting her out of prison.
"But how far is Jean willing to go to make her daughter listen?"
Last month, new pictures were released showing Wright and her on-screen daughter Lacey Turner filming scenes in a hospital together. The pair last shared screen time on Christmas Day 2010.
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Gillian Wright and Lacey Turner behind the scenes
© BBC
Gillian Wright and Lacey Turner behind the scenes
Meanwhile, fans can also expect a storyline for cash-strapped Alfie Moon as the show explores how far he will go for his family in time for his newborn twins arriving this summer.
Mick and Linda Carter's relationship will also be taking a dark turn, while there is new drama for Phil Mitchell and Sharon Rickman in the build-up to their wedding.
From the latest spoilers, I'm starting to think that Jean is dying.
tammyy2j
08-05-2015, 15:03
Jean Slater is returning to EastEnders for another guest stint.
Gillian Wright, who plays the popular character, has already resumed filming at the BBC soap.
It's thought that Jean's return will see her getting married, after Wright was seen sporting a T-shirt reading "Bride-To-Be" in feel-good scenes filmed on location.
Wright's on-screen daughter Lacey Turner (Stacey Branning) and other members of the cast have also been spotted wearing wedding outfits for the upcoming storyline.
While no plot details have been confirmed by EastEnders bosses, fans know that Jean's current boyfriend is Ollie Walters (Tony O'Callaghan), a fruit and veg salesman she met in 2013.
The couple were last seen in EastEnders in summer 2014, when a new crisis for Jean prompted Stacey to appeal her prison sentence.
Jean's return could also tie in with the ongoing mystery of Stacey's key, which was given to her by her brother Sean and has an unknown connection to their father.
did sean kill his dad, did he tell tanya this?
xx_Dan_xx
09-05-2015, 00:38
did sean kill his dad, did he tell tanya this?
I read that Sean hit him and he died later due to a brain hemorrhage at work.
xx_Dan_xx
09-05-2015, 00:38
did sean kill his dad, did he tell tanya this?
I read that Sean hit him and he died later due to a brain hemorrhage at work.
tammyy2j
11-07-2015, 22:27
Is there more to come of Jean and the key?
As far as I know, nothing has been announced but she must be returning again. I can't think why else they'd leave the key with her. Maybe it'll be a surprise and we'll learn what the key is for when we're least expecting it. They're certainly dragging it out though - 16 months and counting!
jean slater staying bye bye jean walters, ollie another cheat
she develops ovarian cancer
mental health bipolar issues again off her meds
Jean Slater (Gillian Wright) is on a mission in EastEnders to bring her daughter Stacey Fowler (Lacey Turner) back home, and therefore she sets out to seduce Phil Mitchell (Steve McFadden) in order to make her dream a reality, but will she prove successful?
Read more: https://metro.co.uk/2020/05/22/eastenders-spoilers-jean-seduces-phil-save-stacey-12743832
cancer back, breast lump?
no cancer result and caring for all the kids
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