EAST END CHARM ‘She looks younger every year!’ say EastEnders fans as Gillian Taylforth, 70, looks incredible on red carpet at NTAs
EASTENDERS fans were left practically swooning over Gillian Taylforth at the NTAs.
The 70-year-old actress stunned droves of loyal viewers as she walked the red carpet at the glitzy bash.
7
7
7
Gillian is one of the only original stars left on the long-running BBC soap.
She has played the role of Kathy Beale – the mother of Ian Beale (Adam Woodyatt) since the very first broadcast back in February 1985.
Although her character was thought to have been killed off screen, bosses brought her back to life during the 30th anniversary celebrations.
On EastEnders, the character is aged around 75, following celebrations of her 70th birthday in 2020.
She stunned at the event in a Grecian-style one-shoulder floor-length lilac tulle gown.
Her blonde locks were styled into a classy up-do as ringlets framed her timeless features as she celebrated the soap’s multiple wins.
The star also sported a natural makeup look with blush on her cheeks, smokey eye shadow and a light pink gloss.
After seeing the actress strut her stuff at the star-studded awards bash, fans simply could not believe she is supposed to have a 57-year-old son.
Taking to X – formerly known as Twitter – after the event, one fan gushed: “The ageless Gillian Taylforth she truly gets younger every year.”
Admiring her ageless appearance, another said: “Gillian Taylforth proves age is just a number! She’s 70 but looks like she’s in her 50s. So envious!”
Kathy Cotton and Cindy Beale clash after former character returns to soap
While a third commented: “Gillian Taylforth always looks so stunning.”
“She will be 5 years old in 2028,” stated a fourth user.
Before the event, a fifth added: “Sometimes i wonder if Gillian Taylforth took the potion from death becomes her. Our ageless diva.”
Gillian’s secret
The star previously revealed the secret to her ageless appearance after fans noted how she looks the same over 30 years after her debut in the soap.
EastEnders stars who’ve been on Strictly Come Dancing
Throughout its 20-year history, Strictly Come Dancing has welcomed several stars from BBC soap EastEnders. Here’s a look at how some of them did over the years.
- Christopher Parker (Series One): Christopher played Alfie Moon’s (Shane Richie) younger brother Spencer from 2002 to 2005. finished as runner-up in Strictly’s first series.
- Jill Halfpenny (Series Two): Jill starred as Kate Mitchell in EastEnders from 2002 to 2005. She triumphed over Denise Lewis and Julian Clary to win the second series of Strictly.
- Louisa Lytton (Series Four): Known for her role as EastEnders’ Ruby Allen, Louisa took part in Strictly’s fourth series. She finished in fourth place.
- Letitia Dean (Series Five): Letitia, who debuted as Sharon Watts in the show’s first episode, took to the Strictly dance floor in series five. She finished in fourth place.
- Matt Di Angelo (Series Five): Dean Wicks actor Matt also competed in series five of Strictly, finishing as runner-up behind Alesha Dixon.
- Gillian Taylforth (Series 6): Gillian, known for her long-running portrayal as Kathy Beale, took part in series 6. She ended up being the second person voted out.
- Jessie Wallace (Series 6): Kat Slater actress Jessie also competed in series 6, but was fourth voted out.
- Scott Maslen (Series 8): Scott, who plays Jack Branning, reached a respectable fourth place on Strictly.
- Kara Tointon (Series 8): Kara, who played Dawn Swann, won Strictly series 8 back in 2010.
- Sid Owen (Series 10): Sid, who played Ricky Butcher, was eliminated in the show’s fourth week.
- Jake Wood (Series 12): While his EastEnders character Max Branning was unlucky-in-love, actor Jake fared better with a fifth-place finish on Strictly.
- Kellie Bright (Series 13): Kellie – aka Queen Vic landlady Linda Carter – finished as the runner-up of series 13.
- Emma Barton (Series 17): Known for playing Honey Mitchell, Emma reached third place on Strictly in 2019.
- Maisie Smith (Series 18): Formerly playing Tiffany Butcher-Baker, actress Maisie was 2020’s second-place Strictly finalist.
- Rose-Ayling Ellis (Series 19): Rose won over viewers’ hearts when she soared to victory in 2021.
- Bobby Brazier (Series 21): Having joined the cast as ‘Freddie Slater’ in 2022, Bobby joined the 2023 Strictly line-up. He finished in third place.
- Jamie Borthwick (Series 22): Jamie, aka Jay Brown, won the 2023 Strictly Christmas Special – and has been signed up for the next full series.
Talking about her timeless look in the August issue of Prima magazine earlier this year, Gillian admitted: “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.”
Drink water and eat fruit
Gillian also spilled her secrets to looking fab to the magazine, and how others can also stay looking young.
Visit our EastEnders page for the latest gossip
- Find all EastEnders spoilers here
The actress revealed: “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.
“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.”
7
7
7
7