Gillian Taylforth, a well-known figure from the long-running series EastEnders, is not the only celebrity in her family; her sister is also a familiar face on television.

Starting her role as Kathy Beale in the inaugural episode of the BBC soap in February 1985, Gillian’s character was initially married to Pete Beale, a market trader at Bridge Street Market and the twin brother of Pauline Fowler. This family connection led to Kathy’s strong ties to the Fowler family.

Kathy faces challenges with her two adult sons, Ian Beale and Ben Mitchell. Ian holds the record for the most marriages in the Square, while Ben is currently serving time for credit card fraud.

After leaving the Square in 1998 to start a new life in South Africa with her husband Gavin Sullivan and son Ben, Kathy made brief returns in 1999 before finally leaving in 2000. However, false reports of their deaths haunted Ian for years.

In 2015, Kathy made a dramatic comeback to Walford and has since become a beloved character among viewers. She has had various relationships, including her current boyfriend, Harvey Monroe, whom she won over from Jean Slater.

Gillian Taylforth’s portrayal of Kathy Beale has spanned decades, but she also had a stint on Hollyoaks, where her sister played her on-screen sibling.

Gillian is a pivotal figure in EastEnders and a highly skilled actress, showcasing her talent over the years. Her sister, Kim Taylforth, has also made a mark in the entertainment industry.

Apart from her TV roles, Kim has appeared in a range of shows and movies, showcasing her versatility as an actress. She has also been involved in stage performances across the UK.

Gillian’s personal life has also made headlines, particularly her past relationships with co-stars like Nick Berry and Geoff Knights. Despite personal losses, she continues to captivate audiences with her acting prowess.

EastEnders fans can catch the show on BBC One and iPlayer from Monday to Thursday.