[Smithy]

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".

Yay! Jean

[Locke.]

As long as Stacey leaves and doesn't come back this is ok

[Lewis.]

<3


Jean is the bomb

[Patrick]

2004?

Jesus, Time Flies.

[Visage]

Good, I like Jean, she lights up the place.

[Lewis.]

Originally Posted by Visage

Good, I like Jean, she lights up the place.

The actress who plays her is great too!

[Patrick]

Sausage Surprise!

[Lewis.]

Originally Posted by Patrick

Sausage Surprise!

[Visage]

Originally Posted by Lewis.

The actress who plays her is great too!

Originally Posted by Patrick

Sausage Surprise!

[Callum]

Glad she's staying, great character and Mo won't be alone in the Slaters house now neither.

[Kerry]

Good, she's lovely

[Stacey.]

Ugh she's an annoying woman. Pleased Stacey's going though.

[Jackie]

Shes okay quite funny at times.

[Jordan.]

Aw i love Jean.

[Iceman]

Originally Posted by Patrick

2004?

Jesus, Time Flies.

I know remember when she was mental in the house and it was all boarded up!!!!!

[Jords]

Im glad shes hilarious.

[Jords]

Maybe Sean is returning?

[Kerry]

Originally Posted by Jords

Maybe Sean is returning?

Doubt it. Hasn't he said he'd never return while Rita (Roxy) was in the soap?

[Stacey.]

I so wish Sean would come back, one of the best Eastenders characters ever <3

[Jords]

Originally Posted by ~Kerry~

Doubt it. Hasn't he said he'd never return while Rita (Roxy) was in the soap?

Oh :/ I remember him saying he wouldnt return if something, cant remember what, but coulda had a change of heart? Great character so just wishful thinking. Didnt realise those 2 didnt get on!

[Kerry]

Originally Posted by Jords

Oh :/ I remember him saying he wouldnt return if something, cant remember what, but coulda had a change of heart? Great character so just wishful thinking. Didnt realise those 2 didnt get on!

As far as I can recall he can't stand her and refused point blank to ever return while she is in the soap

[Iceman]

They guy who plays Sean is cast in The Hobbit dont forget.

[bbfan1991]

Originally Posted by ~Kerry~

As far as I can recall he can't stand her and refused point blank to ever return while she is in the soap

No Rob K actually said that he wouldn't return to Eastenders but only would if Rita Simons were to quit.

As for Jean she's awesome and Gillian is a great actress but I hope the reason for her staying makes sense because she is really dependable on Stacey and once she's gone the likes of Mo, Kat etc have their own lives however it'll be nice to see Jean in a different light instead of just being Bipolar or Stacey's mom although I quite liked the idea of Jean, Stacey and Lily departing to start a new life abroad.