Laura Wright (Brookside)

Laura Wright (also Gordon-Davies) is a fictional character from the British Channel 4 soap opera Brookside, played by Jane Cunliffe. The character debuted on-screen during the episode broadcast on 6 April 1987. Laura is introduced as part of a new yuppy couple, alongside Jonathan Gordon-Davies (Steven Pinner). Cunliffe was invited to audition for the role and had three screen tests before she was successfully cast. Pinner was cast later and was required to screen test with Cunliffe before being chosen to play Jonathan. Laura is characterised as "a bright intellectual" and an "aspiring career woman". Laura and Jonathan are both portrayed as solicitors; they are introduced together and purchase 9 Brookside Close from Heather Haversham (Amanda Burton), begin decorating the house and plan their wedding. Writers introduced Laura's on-screen family consisting of her parents, Geoff Wright (Arthur Kelly) and Dorothy Wright (Jacqueline Morgan) and her sister, Joanne Wright (Carleen Lundon). Writers developed the characters via their wedding preparation stories. Their wedding ceremony formed the basis of the show's 500th episode. Writers kept the outcome of the wedding a secret from viewers, playing into Laura's initial indecision but the two characters marry. Writers played Laura as a "stroppy" character who is often mean to Jonathan and Cunliffe enjoyed playing a "horrible" character.

Cunliffe decided to not renew her contract with Brookside and leave the role. Her decision surprised the show's production team and her fellow cast mates. Producers had planned a long-term future for Laura and Jonathan which was ruined by Cunliffe's choice. Pinner feared losing his job as he believed that Jonathan would subsequently be written out too. Redmond decided to kill the character off but chose to fill out the remainder of Cunliffe's contract having Laura confined to a hospital bed. Laura is electrocuted by a light switch, falls down the stairs and hits her head. She never wakes from her coma, is placed on a life support machine. Jonathan and the Wrights deliberate the outcome of Laura's condition but eventually accept that she is dead and consent to her life support being removed. Cunliffe made her final appearance as Laura during the episode broadcast on 4 January 1988.

Laura received mixed reviews from television critics. Many commented on her and Jonathan's status as the show's new yuppies. Laura's wedding was well received and garnered praise. Her departure storyline and death were described as "high drama" that played to Brookside's strengths. Other critics disliked Laura, branded her "annoying" and criticised Cunliffe's portrayal.