Gillian Taylforth says EastEnders made her who she is today
Taylforth, 69, is best known for playing cafe owner Kathy in the BBC soap and first appeared in its debut episode in February 1985.
Advertisement
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.
Gillian Taylforth on the cover of the August issue of Prima (Prima UK/Nicky Johnston/PA)
Fronting the August edition of Prima, the actress told the magazine: '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.'
Advertisement
The character was most recently revealed as the assailant who attacked her former daughter-in-law Cindy Beale, played by Michelle Collins, on Christmas Day.
The festive episode ended with Cindy being struck with a shovel as she was walking through Walford after her affair with Junior Knight (Micah Balfour) had been revealed at a party in the Queen Vic.
Gillian Taylforth in the August 2025 issue of Prima (Prima UK/Nicky Johnston/PA)
Cindy had been hoping to return to France with her former husband and her son Ian, played by Adam Woodyatt, before the affair was exposed.
Before the 40th anniversary episode, Cindy went to Ian's home with a gun believing him to be the assailant, but he insisted it was not him and turned the blame on his son Peter (Thomas Law).
Advertisement
Kathy then arrived at the house and told her to leave Ian alone, before confessing to the attack.
Speaking about the cast and crew, Taylforth added: 'I have amazing relationships with everyone at EastEnders, but there's something special with Adam (Woodyatt). He's played my son for 40 years, and he never calls me by my name, it's always 'Mum', even when we're not on set, and he's 'Son' to me.
Gillian Taylforth with Adam Woodyatt at the Inside Soap Awards 2017 (Isabel Infantes/PA)
'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.'
Taylforth also spoke about her self-care routine, saying it makes her 'feel good' about herself.
Advertisement
She said: 'It's very nice if people say lovely comments about how I look, but I don't do it for anyone other than myself. Self-care helps me feel good about myself.
'I am getting older, and I do notice changes, but for me, I just want to maintain my appearance for as long as can. And if it all falls flat very soon, there's not much I could do about it.'
The full interview is in the August issue of Prima which is now on sale.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Mirror
2 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
Keeley Hawes is a foul-mouthed James Bond in slick thriller The Assassin
The Assassin is a fast-paced thriller interwoven with family drama Kicking off with a high-energy opening sequence packed with fight scenes and cinematography that could rival a James Bond film, The Assassin certainly delivers, reports the Express. The six-part series centres around retired hitwoman Julie Green (portrayed by Keeley Hawes), who is reluctantly pulled back into the game for one final, potentially fatal job. However, there's a significant hitch: Julie's estranged journalist son Edward (played by Freddie Highmore) has decided to visit her for the weekend after four years, under the impression that she's a simple head hunter. What ensues is a thrilling, fast-paced drama intertwined with family dynamics as Julie and Edward truly reconnect. This series marks a distinct shift in pace for Hawes, who earlier this year portrayed Cassandra Austen in PBS and BBC's tranquil period drama Miss Austen. In fact, Hawes' last venture into Greek territory was as Louisa Durrell in ITV's heartwarming family series The Durrells, set on the picturesque island of Corfu. However, with her impressive performances in Spooks, Line of Duty and Ashes to Ashes, Hawes certainly has the action credentials to portray Julie convincingly. The Assassin sees her reunite with writers Harry and Jack Williams, following her appearance in the second series of their International Emmy-winning show, The Missing. Her on-screen partnership with Highmore is a match made in heaven as the contrasting pair compete in a battle of wits. The chemistry between the two actors is palpable, forming the beating heart of the show. Highmore effortlessly steps into the role of investigative journalist and vegan Edward, portraying his struggles while on the run with ease. The former child actor is no stranger to intricate on-screen mother-son relationships, having previously played a young Norman Bates in the modern Psycho prequel, Bates Motel. Other notable members of the cast include Jack Davenport, Alan Dale, The Tourist's Shalom Brune-Franklin, and David Dencik from Top of the Lake. However, this isn't your typical thriller - there's a wickedly dark strand of British comedy woven throughout the storyline. The sharp one-liners flow effortlessly between mother and son, showcasing the Williams brothers' razor-sharp writing skills. From Julie being dubbed a "menopausal James Bond" to Edward being cautioned that his search for his biological father "isn't Mamma Mia", The Assassin is loaded with as many witty remarks as it is with gunfire and expletives. Sometimes you'll find yourself uncertain whether to chuckle at the over-the-top scenarios, but the formula works brilliantly. The Williams duo have struck gold once more with The Assassin - this is a genuine winner. Whilst their previous series The Tourist delivered nail-biting tension, The Assassin balances the drama with considerable humour and wit, creating the perfect British action-thriller with a darkly comic twist.
Daily Mail
3 hours ago
- Daily Mail
Popular picks for July: SEVEN RULES FOR A PERFECT MARRIAGE by Rebecca Reid, MY OTHER HEART by Emma Nanami Strenner, THE SECRETS OF DRAGONFLY LODGE by Rachel Hore
Seven Rules for a Perfect Marriage is available now from the Mail Bookshop SEVEN RULES FOR A PERFECT MARRIAGE by Rebecca Reid (Bloomsbury £9.99, 304pp) Moral fable meets urban romance in this tale of relationship influencers. Jessica and Jack have millions of followers, plus book and TV deals coming out of their ears. Everyone wants a marriage as wonderful as theirs. Behind the scenes, however, they're both miserable. She wants a baby while he wants his old job back at the BBC. During a moment of drunken madness, Jack unwisely reveals all. What now, as followers and publishers desert the golden couple in droves? Lots of fun media detail and some great minor characters; Jack's stingy and snobbish parents, in particular. MY OTHER HEART by Emma Nanami Strenner (Hutchinson Heinemann £18.99, 416pp) A sharp upstairs-downstairs look at the Asian-American experience. We're in Philadelphia with Kit, Japanese adopted daughter of a wealthy white couple, and her BFF Sabrina, child of a poor Chinese single mum. School's just ended and this last summer before college has some big surprises in store. While feckless, beautiful Kit flies off to find herself in Tokyo, the less assured Sabrina interns at a downtown migrant charity. In the background is Vietnamese Mimi, whose child was snatched as a baby, and Lee Lee, Sabrina's prickly ma. I loved this family drama which considers geography and destiny from a fascinating point of view – with a great twist at the end. THE SECRETS OF DRAGONFLY LODGE by Rachel Hore (Simon and Schuster £16.99, 480pp) Writer Stef's researching a book about pioneering women scientists. One is zoologist Nancy Foster, an elderly Norfolk neighbour of her mother's. Brilliant as she was, Nancy's career never reached the heights it should have, but why? Stef sets about finding out, getting to know her subject's smouldering grandson along the way. There unfolds a tale of sexism and skulduggery. The action moves between modern-day Stef and 1950s London, where Nancy studies alongside dashing and dastardly James West. Hore's novels are absorbing, calming and wonderfully sane. They should be prescribed on the NHS.
BBC News
3 hours ago
- BBC News
Town's beloved cat stars in reimagined masterpieces
BBC A cat that was awarded the freedom of a town in the north of the Isle of Man has been immortalised in famous works of art. Thomas the cat was awarded the freedom of Ramsey last year, after being informally adopted by several retailers. He has been used as the subject for a number of reimagined classic works of art in an exhibition by Mannin Art group, which is celebrating its 75th anniversary. Twenty paintings which feature the famous feline resident have gone on display in various shop windows throughout the town. Wendy Turner from the art group came up with the idea for the trail and said she hopes it will encourage people from all around the island to visit Ramsey. The trail features a wide variety of reimagined classics, including Munch's The Scream, the Cat with the Pearl Earring, and Whisker's Mother. People are invited to walk around the town to try to spot all of the artworks hidden among shop window displays. Ms Turner said they were keen to do something special for the occasion and said they had "really enjoyed doing it". She also hoped the trail would encourage more people to the town and "attract business". She said it would take about an hour to find all the paintings in their various locations. "You can't tell me in that time that somebody isn't going to want a cup of coffee or a child isn't going to want an ice cream," she said. There are three pieces in St Paul's Square, which Ms Turner described as an "often forgotten area", in which they hoped to increase footfall through the trail. Chair of Mannin Art Tom Field said it also raised awareness of classic paintings, albeit with a feline twist: "Some of those paintings are well known... it might interest them in taking up painting too." Having only taken up painting and joining the group in 2020, he said it had become a big part of his life. He said: "Sometimes I can just sit and paint and focus on it, and it's very peaceful". As well as putting on the art trail, which runs until 22 August, there is also an exhibition of the group's work in St Paul's church hall to celebrate the milestone anniversary. Read more stories from the Isle of Man on the BBC, watch BBC North West Tonight on BBC iPlayer and follow BBC Isle of Man on Facebook and X.
