An EastEnders star has shared a heartbreaking tribute to her longtime friend after his death.

Gillian Wright, who plays Jean Slater on the popular BBC One soap, revealed her close friend Pat Walker has died as she paid tribute to him and looked back on many years of friendship. Soap star Gillian, 66, took to Instagram to share a photo of herself posing alongside her late friend Pat.

The image sees Gillian wearing a bright yellow coat and smiling widely as she leans on her friend Pat’s shoulder, who is seen smiling while wearing a red and blue bandana on his head. In the caption, Gillian looked back on their long-term friendship, in which she explained the pair met and became friends while at university.

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She wrote: “The Mr Pat Walker. And me. We met & played, adventured & laughed through our degree together, and have played and laughed, had silences, talked and walked and worked together ever since. Books, travels, theatre, cinema, music… stories.

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“Today I was privileged to be among a throng of people saying goodbye. He really made a difference to so many peoples lives. A grumpy, sarcastic, comic… why am I posting this? Because I want the big wide world to know… I was lucky enough to be a small part of this man’s life! And I found out today…he was proud of me…”

Gillian was flooded with supportive messages following her heartbreaking tribute on Instagram. One wrote: “So very sorry for you loss may he rest in peace and may you find peace and comfort of your own”. Another follower added: “I’m so sorry for your loss @therealgillianwright sending you so much love x” And a third said: “What a lovely tribute to him, many memories shared between you. Sending love”.

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According to Your Harlow, Pat died earlier this month following a short illness. Pat was a teacher in a school in Harlow, Essex, where he taught English and Drama. He was also a football coach and scout.

Burnt Mill School paid tribute in the obituary. A spokesperson for Burnt Mill Academy told the publication: “Pat was a much-loved teacher and leader at Burnt Mill for over 30 years. The warmth and care that continue to permeate Burnt Mill stand as a lasting legacy of a man who gave so much to shaping its culture and values.”

The tribute concluded with: “All the staff and friends at Burnt Mill and across the Trust extend their deepest condolences to Pat’s family. He will be remembered with great respect, gratitude, and affection.”

Gillian is currently taking a short filming break from EastEnders after her character Jean suffered a mental health breakdown – which was highlighted by her behaviour following her suspicions of Zoe Slater’s long-lost daughter Jasmine. The break is thought to be brief though as Jean was recently contacted by Kat Slater who asked her for advice on how to handle Jasmine, as Jean revealed she’s feeling better and currently staying with Slater family members.