A popular soap star has been forced to pull out of a Kent pantomime this Christmas due to a broken wrist.

EastEnders actress, Gillian Wright, says she is "devastated" she will not be able to perform in Snow White at the Central Theatre, Chatham.

Gillian, who plays Jean Slater in the soap, was set to star as the Wicked Queen.

She was appearing alongside West End's Hannah Boyce and Alex Anstey, as Snow White and Dame Dotty.

The actress broke her wrist last week and had hoped to return to the show after a few rest days following the operation.

However, the procedure was more complicated than anticipated.

Chatham Panto posted an announcement on its Facebook page this afternoon, explaining that she must rest for four to six weeks – ruling her out of a return to her role.

Gillian has now been replaced by West End actress Samantha Hughes, who has appeared in shows including Blood Brothers and A Chorus Line.

Chris Jordan, managing director of Jordan Productions, said: "Like the trooper she is, Gill managed to get through the last week of rehearsals and the opening night of the panto whilst in a sling and a certain amount of discomfort.

"No one knew the extent of the injury until she came out of surgery, and we were all shocked to hear that the break was worse than anyone had thought.

"Obviously, Gill’s health and wellbeing is paramount so, whilst we are sorry that she can’t return to the show, we wish her a speedy recovery over the next few weeks and send her all our love."

The 62-year-old won Best Actress at the Inside Soap Awards and has been highly praised for her storylines involving bipolar disorder and ovarian cancer.

“I’m absolutely devastated to not be able to return for the rest of the panto season..."

She first appeared in EastEnders in 2004 for a one-off episode but returned as a regular from 2007.

Gillian commented: “I’m absolutely devastated to not be able to return for the rest of the panto season. I have been having so much fun with the rest of the cast over the last couple of weeks.

"I’m so sorry to everyone who was hoping to see me this Christmas – Snow White is such an amazing show and I have loved the time I have spent in Chatham at the Central Theatre – and it makes me so sad that I won’t get to see all of you enjoy our wonderful panto.

"I’d like to say a special thanks to the fabulous cast and crew at the Central Theatre who have helped me get through the last week and especially to Samantha Hughes who has so brilliantly stepped into my wicked shoes to make sure that the show goes on."

The panto's run started on Thursday last week and will continue until Saturday, December 31, with performances starting from £18 per ticket.