Gillian Taylforth, best known for playing Kathy Beale in EastEnders, has been a staple of British television since the soap's first episode in 1985. The actress, now 68, recently sparked debate after the BBC revealed her character Kathy is 73, leading fans to marvel at her youthful appearance. Many took to social media to call her 'ageless', with some speculating about cosmetic procedures. Taylforth has been open about having a non-surgical facelift costing £1,500 for her 60th birthday.
During her early years on the show, Taylforth dated co-star Nick Berry, who played her on-screen stepson Simon Wicks. The relationship, which lasted from 1985 to 1988, caused a stir due to the on-screen family connection and their eight-year age gap. She later had a 23-year relationship with Geoff Knights, with whom she has two children, Jessica and Harrison. The couple split in 2009, and Knights died of stomach cancer in 2013.
Taylforth was later engaged to former stockbroker Dave Fairbairn, but they ended their relationship in 2019 after a series of disagreements. Despite the split, they have remained friends. Off-screen, Taylforth's sister Kim Taylforth is also an actress, known for roles in Hollyoaks, The Bill, and Bad Girls.
