Taylforth, 69, is best known for playing cafe owner Kathy Beale in the BBC soap and first appeared in its debut episode in February 1985.
The character was killed off in 2006 only to make a shock return – after faking her own death – for the 30th anniversary live episodes in 2015.
Kathy was most recently revealed as the assailant who attacked her former daughter-in-law, Cindy Beale (played by Michelle Collins) on Christmas Day.
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Gillian Taylforth ranks EastEnders among her “favourite places to work”
Aside from EastEnders, Taylforth has also appeared in various other TV shows, including:
- The Bill (Sgt. Nikki Wright)
- Hollyoaks (Sandy Roscoe)
- Casualty (Gloria/Justine Walker)
- Footballers Wives (Jackie Pascoe/Jackie Webb)
However, speaking in the August edition of Prima, the actress said: “EastEnders has always been my favourite place to work.
“I loved The Bill, Footballers’ Wives and Hollyoaks. I got to do plays and a musical and other things that were lovely.
“But EastEnders has always been in my heart, because that’s where I feel I became who I am.
“This wonderful character, Kathy, was always a big part of me. So when I was invited back for the 30th anniversary I was overjoyed to have Kathy back in my life.”
Gillian Taylforth reveals “close bond” with on-screen son Adam Woodyatt
Taylforth also spoke about the EastEnders cast and crew, saying she shared an “amazing relationship” with everyone on the BBC soap.
But it was Adam Woodyatt, who plays her on-screen son Ian Beale, that the actress shares “something special” with.
“We’ve got a close bond – he can see if I’ve forgotten my lines, and he’ll say them to remind me.
“The moment we reunited when Kathy came back, there were tears everywhere – it was a magical moment.”
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EastEnders fans praise “absolute legend” Kathy Beale
Kathy Beale, played by Taylforth, has proved popular among EastEnders during her time on the BBC soap, with fans in the Reddit group r/EastEnders describing her as an “absolute legend”.
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One fan, posting on Reddit, said: “I won’t hear a bad word against Kathy. She’s an absolute legend for a reason.
“She’s always been a low key badass and NEVER took any s**t from anyone.”
Another added: “Kathy Beale is brilliant!”
