Gillian Taylforth has been a key part of EastEnders since its very first episode in 1985, bringing the character of Kathy Beale to life in some of Walford’s most dramatic storylines.
Over the years, Kathy has faced everything from turbulent relationships to shocking returns,
cementing her status as one of the most beloved characters on the soap.
While Kathy’s on-screen life has been filled with ups and downs,
Gillian’s real life has also been eventful, with romantic relationships, personal tragedies, and a strong family connection to the acting world.
Kathy Beale – A Walford Icon
Kathy Beale made her EastEnders debut in 1985 as the wife of Pete Beale, who was the twin brother of Pauline Fowler and uncle to Martin Fowler.
Throughout her time on the Square, she endured many heartbreaks, including her marriage to Phil Mitchell, which ended in disaster.
In 1998, Kathy left Walford for a fresh start in South Africa with her son Ben and her new husband, Gavin Sullivan. She returned briefly in 1999 but ultimately left again in 2000. For years, it was believed that she had died in a car crash, a devastating revelation for her son Ian Beale. However, in 2015, viewers were left stunned when Kathy made an unexpected return, revealing she had been alive all along.
Since then, Kathy has remained at the center of EastEnders’ biggest storylines. Most recently, she became involved in covering up Keanu Taylor’s death and even attempted to kill Cindy Beale by attacking her with a snow shovel on Christmas Day.
An Ageless Star
Gillian Taylforth has long been admired for her youthful appearance, frequently sparking discussions about her age among fans. In September 2022, EastEnders paid tribute to Queen Elizabeth II after her passing, during which Kathy mentioned she was 73 years old, meaning she would now be 75.
However, in real life, Gillian was born on August 14, 1955, in Islington, North London, making her 69 years old. Despite the passing years, she continues to shine both on and off the screen, proving why she remains one of the soap’s most enduring stars.
A Romance with a Co-Star
Much like her on-screen counterpart, Gillian’s personal life has had its share of romance. In the 1980s, she was in a relationship with her EastEnders co-star Nick Berry, who played Simon Wicks. Interestingly, their characters had a stepmother-stepson dynamic in the soap, but off-screen, they dated for three years between 1985 and 1988.
Heartbreak and Tragedy
After parting ways with Nick Berry, Gillian found love with Geoff Knights in the late 1980s. The couple welcomed two children, Harrison and Jessica, and shared many years together.
Sadly, in 2013, tragedy struck when Geoff passed away at the age of 58 following a battle with stomach cancer. His death was a devastating loss for Gillian and their family, marking one of the most difficult periods in her life.
Finding Love Again
In 2015, Gillian began a relationship with Dave Fairbairn. However, their happiness was overshadowed by his prostate cancer diagnosis. Fortunately, two years later, Dave was declared cancer-free.
Despite this positive turn, their relationship ultimately came to an end, and in 2019, Gillian called off their engagement.
A New Chapter in Love
More recently, Gillian has been linked to Philip Oag. The couple was spotted together in October 2023, and reports suggest that their relationship began in 2022.
Sources claim that Philip has even moved into Gillian’s home, with insiders revealing: “Gillian is head over heels for Philip—they’ve been secretly dating for over a year, and he’s even moved into her home. Everyone’s so pleased for her.”
A Family of Acting Talent
Gillian isn’t the only Taylforth to find success in the entertainment industry. Her sister, Kim Taylforth, has also made a name for herself as an actress.
Kim has appeared in several popular British soaps, including Hollyoaks, The Bill, and Family Affairs. Her acting career started at the young age of 15 when she landed a role in the classic BBC sitcom Steptoe and Son.
One of Kim’s most well-known roles was playing Marilyn Fenner in Bad Girls. She also had appearances in Operation Good Guys and London’s Burning, showcasing her versatility as an actress.
Outside of television, Kim has also starred in numerous pantomimes across the UK, often taking on roles such as the Wicked Queen or the Good Fairy, proving her talent extends beyond the small screen.
Beyond EastEnders – A Thriving Career
Although EastEnders has been a significant part of Gillian’s career, she has taken on numerous other roles over the years.
During her time away from the soap, she played Jackie Pascoe in Footballers’ Wives, immersing herself in the high-drama world of footballers and their partners. She also took on the role of Sergeant Nikki Wright in The Bill, showcasing her ability to take on strong and commanding characters.
Gillian has also guest-starred in a range of British dramas. In 2009, she appeared in Casualty, playing MP Justine Walker in an episode titled Parent Trap, portraying a mother trying to reconnect with her broken family.
Before returning to EastEnders in 2015, she also spent two years starring as Sandy Roscoe in Hollyoaks.
A Step into Reality TV
Outside of acting, Gillian has ventured into the world of reality television. In 2008, she joined the cast of Strictly Come Dancing, putting her dancing skills to the test.
She also competed in Celebrity Big Brother in 2013 but was the fourth contestant to be eliminated.
A True Soap Legend
From her unforgettable role as Kathy Beale to her real-life experiences of love, loss, and success, Gillian Taylforth’s journey has been filled with remarkable moments.
With her undeniable talent, resilience, and charm, she remains one of Britain’s most beloved actresses, continuing to captivate audiences both on and off the screen.
Follow us to see more useful information, as well as to give us more motivation to update more useful information for you.
