EastEnders legend Gillian Taylforth has revealed her beauty regime, following years of disbelief from fans over her real age.
Gillian has played the now 75-year-old Kathy Beale since the show began in 1985, though she previously revealed that producers were worried that she looked too young to play Kathy.
Now, at 69 years old, she has revealed her secret to staying youthful.
‘I always fill my water bottle with different fruits. Every morning, I have hot water and lemon and a detox tea bag. I’m disciplined with what I eat, but I don’t deny myself and I’m meticulous with my skincare,’ she told Prima Magazine.
‘I also love keeping fit. I have a gym at home, but my schedule sometimes means I’m up at 5am, so I can’t always make it work. But I feel very lethargic if I don’t do anything, so I have weights and a treadmill in my dressing room, so I can do a quick workout.’
Earlier this year, as fans reflected on Kathy’s recent antics in Albert Square, they expressed their shock at her age.
‘Gillian being 69 cannot be true cos that woman looks AMAZING!’ One said.
Despite fans showering the actress with compliments, she reveals that her beauty regime is solely for her.
‘It’s very nice if people say lovely comments about how I look, but I don’t do it for anyone other than myself. Self-care helps me feel good about myself.
‘I am getting older, and I do notice changes, but for me, I just want to maintain my appearance for as long as can. And if it all falls flat very soon, there’s not much I could do about it.’
In the past few months alone, Kathy has attacked Cindy Beale (Michelle Collins) and left her for dead, and embarked on a sordid affair with Harvey Monroe (Ross Boatman).
With Kathy having become a household name, actress Gillian is often recognised for the character, as she explained.
‘When I’m out and about, people shout “Kathy!” at me. And if people don’t recognise me to start, as soon as I talk, they know it’s me – it’s the deep voice!
‘Sometimes I wish I was a bit more like Kathy – she has a lot of opinions, and I’m one of those people who sits on the fence. I’m not that strong-minded, but she is and I love that. She’s got a great sense of humour, too – that’s something we share.’
The August 2025 issue of Prima is now on sale.
