BBC EastEnders icon Kathy Beale has been a staple of the soap since the first-ever episode
EastEnders stalwart Kathy Beale, portrayed by Gillian Taylforth, has been a cornerstone of Albert Square since gracing the inaugural episode in February 1985. In the early days of the beloved soap, Kathy was wed to Pete Beale, played by Peter Dean, the twin sibling of Pauline Fowler (Wendy Richard), mother to the late Martin Fowler (James Bye).
Following an unsuccessful marriage to Phil Mitchell (Steve McFadden), Kathy bid farewell to the Square in 1998, relocating to South Africa with their son Ben and her new spouse Gavin Sullivan (Paul Nicholas).
She briefly returned for two separate appearances in 1999 before making her final exit on 6 January 2000. However, years later, her distraught son Ian (Adam Woodyatt) was informed of her tragic death in a car accident, which turned out to be false.
Kathy Beale is an original member of the Fowler/Beale family in EastEnders
In 2015, Kathy made a dramatic return to Walford, where she has remained a firm favourite among viewers. Recently, Kathy found herself embroiled in the cover-up of Keanu Taylor’s (Danny Walters) demise and even attempted to murder Cindy Beale (Michelle Collins) by striking her with a snow shovel on Christmas Day.
Gillian Taylforth has brought Kathy Beale to life for EastEnders fans over the decades, so let’s take a moment to explore the actress’s life off-screen.
Kathy Beale’s age is frequently discussed among EastEnders fans on social media, with Gillian’s stunning blonde hair and youthful appearance often being the subject of admiration, reports Plymouth Live.
In September 2022, the soap honoured Queen Elizabeth II after her passing, and during a heartfelt conversation with Denise Fox (Dianne Parish) and Linda Carter (Kellie Bright), Kathy revealed she was 73 years old, which would make her 75 now.
However, in reality, Gillian was born on August 14, 1955, in Islington, North London, making her 69 years old.
Gillian Taylforth and Nick Berry pictured together during the 1980s(Image: WireImage)
Gillian’s character Kathy has had several romantic entanglements in Walford, most recently tying the knot with gambling addict Rocky Cotton (Brian Conley), only to regret it months later when he set her café ablaze.
Off-screen, Gillian was once romantically involved with co-star Nick Berry, who portrayed Queen Vic barman Simon Wicks, also known as ‘Wicks’.
The pair, who played stepmother and stepson on screen, dated for three years from 1985 to 1988.
However, Gillian moved on and started a relationship with Geoff Knights in the late 1980s. They have two children together, Harrison and Jessica. Tragically, Geoff passed away in 2013 at the age of 58 from stomach cancer.
Gillian Taylforth pictured with Geoff and their two children (Image: Jon Furniss/Getty Images)
In 2015, Gillian found love again but revealed that her new partner at the time, Dave Fairbairn, was battling prostate cancer.
Two years later, the soap star announced that Dave was cancer-free, according to The Mirror. However, she called off their wedding in 2019.
Currently, Gillian is reportedly dating Philip Oag, with the couple being spotted together in October 2023. As per The Sun, Gillian and Philip found love in 2022.
A source revealed to the publication: “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.”
Famous sister
Kim Taylforth on The Lorraine Show in 2018(Image: ITV)
Gillian, an EastEnders gem and incredibly skilled actress, seems to share her talent with her sister, Kim Taylforth.
Kim, another celebrated actress, has been seen in various British soap operas including Hollyoaks, The Bill, and Family Affairs, making her first TV appearance at age 15 on the BBC sitcom, Steptoe and Son.
She also gained recognition as Marilyn Fenner in ITV’s Bad Girls and had roles in Operation Good Guys and London’s Burning. Beyond television, Kim has adorned the stage in numerous pantomimes throughout the UK, donning the roles of Wicked Queen or Good Fairy.
Roles away from EastEnders
During her 15-year hiatus from EastEnders, she didn’t shy away from the spotlight, landing roles such as Jackie Pascoe in Footballers’ Wives and Sergeant Nikki Wright on ITV’s The Bill.
Aside from starring on Footballers’ Wives and The Bill, Gillian made appearances in other British dramas that may have slipped under the radar.
Gillian appeared on the hit drama Footballers’ Wives(Image: ITV)
In 2009, she guest-starred in Casualty as MP Justine Walker in an episode called Parent Trap, portraying a mother determined to reunite her fragmented family.
The British actress also portrayed Sandy Roscoe in Hollyoaks for a two-year stint prior to her dramatic return to EastEnders in 2015.
She graced the dance floor in Strictly Come Dancing in 2008 and was the fourth participant to be evicted from the Celebrity Big Brother house in 2013.
EastEnders airs Monday – Thursday at 7:30pm on BBC One and iPlayer
