EastEnders fans are in shock after working out Kathy Beale star Gillian Taylforth’s real age.
The actress has played the role of the iconic matriarch since the very first episode of EastEnders in 1985 – minus a few years when the character was ‘dead’.
In recent scenes, Kathy has embarked on an affair with neighbour Harvey Monroe (Ross Boatman), and countless fans are already rooting for the couple.
It’s been quite a year so far for Kathy, who was recently revealed as Cindy Beale’s (Michelle Collins) Christmas Day attacker.
The irony of Kathy having an affair after stoving Cindy’s head in with a snow shovel for the same reason didn’t go unnoticed by fans, who took to social media to express their joy that Kathy has been so busy in recent months.
How old is Kathy Beale in EastEnders?
Born in 1950, Kathy is set to turn 75 in May, but she certainly isn’t letting her age hold her back!
‘Obsessed with Kathy being involved in a murder cover-up, bashing Cindy over the head with a shovel and having an affair,’ one fan wrote on X/Twitter. ‘She’s proof you don’t just have to sit around and knit at 74. Have fun and live your life!’
‘Kathy is 75 and she covered up a murder, bashed Cindy over the head, and now is having an affair. A multitalented queen,’ another said, to which someone else replied in shock: ‘She’s not 75?!’
‘The fact Kathy Beale is supposed be 75 years old and she’s getting it on with Harvey who is “60” literally blows my mind,’ another fan penned. ‘Gillian being 69 cannot be true cos that woman looks AMAZING!’
Another fan was quick to point out that Kathy is now the same age as mother-in-law Lou Beale was when the show first started.
How old is actress Gillian Taylforth?
In real life, actress Gillian Taylforth is much younger than her on-screen alter-ego. She was born in August 1955, making her 69 years old.
When she first auditioned for the show in 1984, she was actually being considered for the role of Sue Osman.
However, the casting team decided she would be a better bit for Kathy – though they worried that she may look too young for the character they had in mind.
‘They would think, “Well, you look a bit young. We’re not too sure. Could you try your hair up?”‘ Gillian revealed during the 2020 EastEnders spin off series Secrets From The Square.
‘So, I had to sit and put my hair up, and putting my hair back, and doing things.
‘I said, “I could have a couple of late nights, don’t worry about that!” At that age I could get up the next morning, but not anymore!’
