'Enders star backs Jean Slater return

EastEnders star Derek Martin has praised the decision to keep Gillian Wright in the soap.

Last April, it was confirmed that Wright's alter ego Jean Slater would be written out of Walford, and fans recently saw her admit herself to a psychiatric hospital following the sudden departure of her daughter Stacey (Lacey Turner).

However, DS revealed late last year that Jean will be back on screen in the spring as show bosses have created a comeback storyline for the character.

In an interview with the News of the World, Martin discussed the surprise reprieve after being asked to name the best character and actor in EastEnders.

He said: "Everyone is good in their own right - but Gillian Wright is amazing. When they said she was leaving, I thought they were mad. I'm glad they changed their minds."

Martin's character Charlie Slater is also about to leave Albert Square in the aftermath of the recent 'baby loss' tragedy which has appeared to have hit his daughter Kat (Jessie Wallace).

Asked to name his favourite plotline from his ten-year history at EastEnders, Martin replied: "When I found out Kat was raped by my brother Harry and fathered her child. I shared some emotional scenes with Kat during that storyline."

Charlie's final episode airs on January 13.