BBC EastEnders’ Gillian Taylforth dating 10 years younger toyboy four years after calling off wedding

Gillian Taylforth’s character Kathy Beale may have had a rocky time when it comes to finding love in EastEnders over the years, but in real life the star is said to be happily loved up with a new man.

The 68-year-old actress has now found love with company director Philip Oag – four years after she called off her wedding to Dave Fairbairn in 2019.

The soap legend was spotted taking a leisurely stroll with her new beau, wearing a stylish Shearling coat teamed with a white scarf, black jeans and a pair of matching boots. Meanwhile, Philip was seen looking dapper in a navy blue top which he teamed with a dark coloured blazer and matching trousers.

The pair have reportedly been dating for a year and are now living together at Gillian’s house.

A source told The Sun: “Gillian is head over heels for Philip – they’ve been secretly dating for over a year and he’s even moved into her home. Everyone’s so pleased for her.” Philip, who is almost ten years younger than the BBC actress, is the Director of Operations at The Cranley Clinic, a cosmetic clinic in London.

But it’s perhaps easy to see why Gillian was able to snag her toyboy lover as she certainly does not look her age. Back in July this year, EastEnders fans were left shocked after finding out her real age. The show teased fans about upcoming scenes between her and Rocky in July and fans took to social media to comment on her “ageless” appearance, as they realised her real age. One fan wrote: “Gillian Taylforth does not age. Love Kathy Beale, one of the #EastEnders originals!” Another fan said: “She’s always looked young for her age.”

A third commented: “How is Gillian nearly 68 and looks like that! Has she had work done?” Meanwhile a fourth penned:”Is Gillian Taylforth the same age as her character… She looks amazing either way!” A fifth added: “Even at nearly 70 Kathy is still by far the most beautiful woman on EastEnders!” A sixth added: “Kathy/Gillian has definitely got a portrait in her attic she looks incredible good genes I would say plus she takes care of herself.”

The star, who has played Kathy Beale since 1985, had previously been dating Dave, who is a convicted drug baron for six years but she refused to marry him in 2019 following a series of disagreements. He was later jailed in 2022 after admitting possessing firearms and being found guilty of perverting the course of justice. He had served seven years in jail after being found guilty in 2003 of plotting to import one of the biggest ecstasy hauls seized in the UK.

Gillian’s character Kathy looks set for heartbreak on Albert Square after it was announced Brian Conley is to leave the show. The actor, who plays Thomas ‘Rocky’ Cotton shocked fans by sharing his decision to suddenly quit.

There were rumours he had fallen out with bosses over his desire to continue solo projects while starring in the long-running soap, but Brian took to Instagram to confirm this was not the case.

He said in a social media video: ‘Hi it’s me Brian, AKA Rocky from EastEnders. I am just sending out this message to all the fans. You may have heard reports that I am leaving. It was a tough decision but it is true that I am going, I made it for many reasons that decision. It was tough as they are such a wonderful crowd in front and behind the cameras and I have loved my three years there.

“That is the truth. There are reports that I clashed and that I was ranting, but I’m not ranting. I have gone with their blessings the Beeb and I am excited about the future and where it’s going to go and I am excited about Rocky’s exit because it’s good! So I am sending you much love to all EastEnders fans and enough said!”

On screen however, Gillian has revealed that she makes a conscious effort to remain silent on all of her storylines – including the BBC soap’s Christmas storyline. She has previously said: “I don’t say anything to anybody. It’s more exciting for the public if they don’t know what’s going on. Some of my friends will say, ‘what’s going to happen?’ And I go, ‘oh I can’t tell you otherwise I will have to kill you’. That’s the easiest way.”