EastEnders icon Gillian Taylforth is not the only famous face in her family; her sister Kim Taylforth is also a well-known television personality. The 70-year-old actress first appeared in Walford as Kathy Beale in the BBC soap's inaugural episode in February 1985, and has remained a central character for decades.
A Family of Talent
Gillian's sister, Kim Taylforth, has carved out her own successful career in television. Kim is best known for playing Marilyn Fenner in ITV's Bad Girls, the long-suffering wife of corrupt prison officer Jim Fenner. She has also appeared in Brookside, Family Affairs, The Bill, Operation Good Guys, and London's Burning. Most recently, she starred as Renee in the film Tales of the Underworld.
In 2017, Kim joined her sister on Hollyoaks when she played Christine Roscoe, the sister of Gillian's character Sandy Roscoe. Sandy had been the matriarch of the Roscoe family from 2013 to 2014. Christine's visit to the village was brief, but it marked a unique on-screen collaboration for the real-life siblings.
Kathy Beale's Journey
Gillian's character Kathy Beale has been through numerous dramatic storylines. She was married to Pete Beale, the twin brother of Pauline Fowler, making her closely tied to the Fowler family. Kathy has two sons: Ian Beale, who holds the record for the most marriages on the Square, and Ben Mitchell, currently in prison for credit card fraud.
In 1998, Kathy left Walford for South Africa with her new husband Gavin Sullivan, the biological father of Sharon Watts and Zack Hudson. She made brief returns in 1999 before a final exit in 2000. However, in 2015, she made a dramatic comeback and has been a fan favourite ever since. She is currently in a relationship with Harvey Monroe, whom she famously stole from Jean Slater.
Romance with On-Screen Son
Gillian's personal life once made headlines when she dated her EastEnders co-star Nick Berry, who played her on-screen stepson Simon 'Wicksy' Wicks. The couple were together for three years from 1985 to 1988, despite Nick being eight years her junior. Their relationship attracted significant media attention at the time.
Later, Gillian was in a long-term relationship with Geoff Knights, with whom she shares two children, Harrison and Jessica. Geoff tragically passed away from stomach cancer in 2013 at the age of 58. Gillian is now reportedly in a relationship with Philip Oag, though she keeps her personal life private.
Beyond her acting, Kim Taylforth has also performed in pantomimes across the UK, often playing the Wicked Queen or the Good Fairy. Meanwhile, Gillian continues to appear as Kathy Beale on EastEnders, which airs Monday to Thursday on BBC One and iPlayer.
