BBC EastEnders’ Kathy star Gillian Taylforth’s love life from tragic death to co-star romance

Kathy Beale is one of Walford’s leading ladies after appearing on the first-ever EastEnders episode in February 1985.

During earlier episodes of the much-loved BBC One soap, Kathy was married to Pete Beale (Peter Dean), the twin brother to Pauline Fowler (Wendy Richard), who was famed for selling his fruit and veg on Bridge Street Market – now owned by Martin Fowler (James Bye).

After a failed marriage to Phil Mitchell (Steve McFadden), Kathy turned her back on the Square in 1998 and moved to South Africa with Ben and her new husband Gavin Sullivan (Paul Nicholas).

EastEnders stars Gillian Taylforth as Kathy Beale in Pete Dean as Pete Beale in the earlier days of the BBC soap (Image: BBC)

Kathy came back for two separate stints in 1999 before making her departure on 6 January 2000, but years later distraught Ian heard the news that she had been killed in a car crash, which was a lie.

In 2015, Kathy made a sensational comeback to Walford and has remained a fan favourite ever since, and this year she has found herself at the center of a Christmas murder. Actress Gillian Taylforth has given EastEnders fans Kathy Beale for decades, so let’s take a glimpse at the soap star’s life away from the camera.

Gillian’s real age Gillian Taylforth as Kathy Beale in EastEnders (Image: BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron)

Kathy Beale’s age is a regular topic of conversation among EastEnders fans across social media thanks to Gillian’s gorgeous blonde locks and age-defying looks.

In September 2022, the soap paid tribute to Queen Elizabeth II following her death, and during an emotional exchange with Denise Fox (Dianne Parish) and Linda Carter (Kellie Bright), Kathy confirmed she was 73 years old meaning she is now 74.

But in real life, Gillian was born in Islington, North London, on August 14, 1955, making her 68 years old.

Gillian’s love life

Gillian’s character Kathy has been linked to several men in Walford, most recently marrying gambling addict Rocky Cotton (Brian Conley) and regretting it only months after he burnt down her café.

But in real life, Gillian was once linked to co-star Nick Berry, who played Queen Vic barman Simon Wicks otherwise known as ‘Wicksy’.

Actor Nick Berry as Wicksy in EastEnders in 1988 (Image: BBC)

The pair who were on-screen stepmother and stepson, dated for three years between 1985 and 1988.

However the actress moved on and began a relationship with Geoff Knights in the late 1980s and they share two children, Harrison and Jessica.

In 2013, Geoff sadly passed away aged 58 from stomach cancer.

Gillian and her husband Geoff (Image: Mirrorpix)

In 2015, Gillian confirmed her new partner at the time Dave Fairbairn was battling prostate cancer. Two years later the soap star revealed Dave was cancer-free, reports The Mirror.

However, she called off her wedding to Dave in 2019.

Now four years later, Gillian has reportedly found love again with new beau Philip Oag, with the pair seen out together in October 2023.

According to The Sun, Gillian and Philip have been dating for at least a year and are living together at the actress’ house.

A source told 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

Gillian is a jewel in Albert Square’s crown and undoubtedly a very talented television star, and it seems that acting runs in the family as her sister is Kim Taylforth.

Kim Taylforth on The Lorraine Show in 2018 (Image: ITV)

Kim is also a famed actress who has held a number of roles in rival British soaps including Hollyoaks, The Bill, and Family Affairs. Her earliest appearance came when she was 15 years old and appeared in the BBC sitcom, Steptoe and Son.

She’s also known as Marilyn Fenner in ITV’s Bad Girls and also appeared in Operation Good Guys and London’s Burning. Away from the small screen, Kim has starred in a number of pantomimes across the UK playing either Wicked Queen or Good Fairy.

What other TV shows has Gillian Taylforth been in?

During her 15-year break from EastEnders, Gillian continued to thrive in many other roles including Jackie Pascoe on Footballers’ Wives and Sergeant Nikki Wright on ITV’s The Bill. While her roles on Footballers’ Wives and The Bill were memorable Gillian played roles in other British soaps that fans may have forgotten about.

Gillian Taylforth as Jackie Pascoe on Footballers’ Wives in 2003 (Image: ITV)

In 2009 she played MP Justine Walker on Casualty, where she guest starred as the lead role in an episode titled Parent Trap, which sees the mother of a splintered family attempting to regroup her fold.

The British star also played Sandy Roscoe in Hollyoaks for two years before her epic EastEnders comeback in 2015.

The TV star appeared in Strictly Come Dancing in 2008 and became the fourth housemate to be evicted from 2013’s Celebrity Big Brother series.

EastEnders airs Monday to Thursday on BBC One at 7.30pm