Jean to face one of the toughest times of her life…
EastEnders has revealed that Jean Slater will shortly be diagnosed with ovarian cancer.
The soap, who are working closely with Macmillan Cancer Support on the dramatic storyline, say Jean will face one of her toughest times yet as she tries to come to terms with the diagnosis.
Gillian Wright, who plays Jean, said: “It’s an honour and a huge responsibility to be taking on such an enormous issue, affecting so many women and their families. I’m aware of the impact such stories can have.
“It’s important we treat the issue of cancer diagnosis and treatment with huge sensitivity, dignity and respect. I hope the storyline helps awareness of the disease and is supportive to those that are affected.”
It was also recently revealed that Sean Slater, Jean’s son, would be making a long-awaited return to EastEnders and his comeback is believed to be in connection with Jean’s diagnosis.
The last time we saw Sean (Robert Kazinsky) was back in 2009 when he drove himself, then wife Roxy Mitchell and her daughter Amy into a frozen lake on New Year’s Day.
Talking about Jean’s storyline, show boss Kate Oates said: “Jean’s diagnosis will impact every aspect of her life, including her family, her friendship groups and her mental health, and I know an actor of Gillian’s calibre will approach the story with great truth and depth.
“The Slaters are an amazing ensemble family, full of complex and well-drawn characters, and this story is a completely fresh subject for them to tackle. I know they’ll do it justice and in turn raise awareness of such an important issue that affects so many people.”
Georgina Wiley, Treatment and Recovery Advisor at Macmillan Cancer Support, added: “Being diagnosed with cancer can turn someone’s whole world upside down and stories like Jean’s can genuinely save and improve lives. It’s been a privilege to work with EastEnders to ensure the plot and the language used in the scripts are a true reflection of the impact that cancer can have.
“We want all the “real-life Jeans” watching to know that we are here to help. Our free support line is open seven days a week, 8am-8pm on 0808 808 00 00.”
Please note EastEnders isn’t on tonight.
