BBC EastEnders Kathy star’s love life – death tragedy, co-star romance and toyboy lover
Gillian Taylforth is set to take centre stage in a gripping EastEnders storyline as Kathy Beale becomes part of the dramatic Christmas murder in Walford and Daily Star has taken a look inside the actress' love life
EastEnders favourite Kathy Beale has been part of the BBC One soap on and off since it started back in 1985.
Whether it was her rocky relationship with Phil Mitchell (Steve McFadden), or coming back to Walford after everyone thought she had died in a car crash, her storylines have left BBC soap viewers on the edge of their seats. Kathy recently said ‘I Do’ to husband Rocky Cotton (Brian Conley) but their relationship could end in tears as he recently caused a fire at her beloved café in bid to claim the insurance money.
As well as Rocky’s betrayal, Kathy is one of the six Walford women involved in the upcoming Christmas murder plot which will see one male resident left for dead. In a special flashforward episode, which aired in February this year, a lifeless body was seen laying on the floor of the Queen Vic.
As fans are left wondering if Kathy could be the next Albert Square killer, Daily Star has taken a look at actress Gillian’s wild love life away from the cameras.
Co-star romance
Gillian had a co-star romance with the actor who played her on-screen stepson. She dated EastEnders heartthrob Nick Berry, who played Simon Wicks, From 1985 until 1988. After he left Albert Square, Nick went on to appear in Heartbeat between 1992 and 1998 for an impressive 96 episodes, and also released two albums.
Nick went on to marry actress Rachel Robertson in 1994 and the pair are parents to two sons. He has since retired from acting and is thought to now be a house husband.
Ex’s death
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The actress later began a relationship with Geoff Knights in the lates eighties and she gave birth to their daughter Jessica in 1992. In 1999, Gillian became a mother for a second time to a son named Harrison.
Geoff spent 23 years with Gillian before their stormy relationship ended in 2009. He died aged 58 in November 2013 just three months after being diagnosed with stomach cancer. The businessman died without a will and his estate worth £22,000.
Wedding called off
Gillian started dating Dave Fairburn in 2013. They were set to tie the knot but they split in 2019 after their relationship came to an end after a “string of disagreements”, according to reports at the time.
In 2010, Dave was shot in the stomach after reportedly confronting a group of people. He was shot from point blank range near a Toby Carvery car park in Enfield, North London, but the bullet missed his vital organs. Gillian and Dave are believed to still be good friends.
Toyboy lover
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In October 2023, it was reported that Gillian, 68, has found love again with new boyfriend Philip Oag, four years after her last relationship. Philip, 59, is the Director of Operations at The Cranley Clinic – a cosmetic clinic in London. Sources told The Sun at the time the pair have been dating for at least a year and are living together at Gillian’s house.
They said: “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.”
EastEnders airs Monday to Thursday on BBC One at 7.30pm
