Gillian Taylforth, known for her role as EastEnders’ most glamorous grandmother, Kathy Beale, spoke to Inside Soap about the surprising turn of events that nearly prevented her from landing the iconic role. Despite her youthful looks, Gillian’s journey to becoming Kathy is a tale of determination and artistic adjustment.
At just 29, Gillian took on the role of the 35-year-old Kathy, a decision that infused her character with a vibrant energy that persists to this day. “I never imagined I’d still be here almost 40 years later,” she laughs, reflecting on her early days. At the time, she was working as a secretary and expected to return to her day job within a year.
“I was originally seen for the part of Sue Osman,” Gillian recalls of her 1984 audition. “Then the producers thought I might be right for Kathy, but they worried I looked too young to have a teenage son Ian’s age.” Her solution was simple yet effective: “I said I’d have a couple of late nights and wear my hair differently!”
The show’s unexpected success, however, changed everything. “We did a personal appearance in a shopping centre early on, and the crowds were so massive that the police had to be called in,” she says. “I couldn’t believe it.”
One of Kathy’s most memorable storylines was her harrowing rape by boss James Willmott-Brown. “That will always be the standout for me,” Gillian shares. “For its time, the episode was quite eerie and frightening. Watching it again recently sent shivers down my spine.”
Gillian left EastEnders in 1999, only to have her character killed off in 2006—until Kathy’s dramatic return in 2015 during a live episode celebrating the soap’s 30th anniversary. “Coming back was tough because I had to keep it a secret, and I was incredibly nervous,” she admits. Despite the tension, Gillian felt a deep connection to the show. “I always felt I belonged to EastEnders.”
Since her return, Kathy has faced numerous challenges, and Gillian acknowledges that playing such a resilient character has influenced her personally. “I’ve taken on some of her strength,” she confesses. “I’m a very easy-going person, but now I don’t suffer fools as easily. I think, ‘Do you know what, I’m going to say something.’ So, thanks for that, Kathy!”
Looking ahead, Gillian is excited about Kathy’s future in Walford. “I love my job, I really do,” she enthuses, even expressing playful hopes for Kathy’s romantic prospects. “I do like George Clooney and Harrison Ford,” she jokes. “And my son is called Harrison, so there you are. It’s fate!”
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