EastEnders Gillian Taylforth talks 'close bond' with Adam Woodyatt
Taylforth, 69, is best known for playing cafe owner Kathy Beale in the BBC soap and first appeared in its debut episode in February 1985.
The character was killed off in 2006 only to make a shock return – after faking her own death – for the 30th anniversary live episodes in 2015.
Kathy was most recently revealed as the assailant who attacked her former daughter-in-law, Cindy Beale (played by Michelle Collins) on Christmas Day.
Aside from EastEnders, Taylforth has also appeared in various other TV shows, including:
However, speaking in the August edition of Prima, the actress said: 'EastEnders has always been my favourite place to work.
'I loved The Bill, Footballers' Wives and Hollyoaks. I got to do plays and a musical and other things that were lovely.
"But EastEnders has always been in my heart, because that's where I feel I became who I am.
'This wonderful character, Kathy, was always a big part of me. So when I was invited back for the 30th anniversary I was overjoyed to have Kathy back in my life.'
Gillian Taylforth has also appeared in various other TV roles including The Bill, Hollyoaks and Footballers Wives. (Image: BBC/Jack Barnes)
Taylforth also spoke about the EastEnders cast and crew, saying she shared an "amazing relationship" with everyone on the BBC soap.
But it was Adam Woodyatt, who plays her on-screen son Ian Beale, that the actress shares "something special" with.
Gillian Taylforth said she has a special relationship with on-screen son Adam Woodyatt. (Image: BBC/Calum McCarron) The EastEnders star explained: "He's played my son for 40 years, and he never calls me by my name, it's always 'Mum', even when we're not on set, and he's 'Son' to me.
'We've got a close bond – he can see if I've forgotten my lines, and he'll say them to remind me.
"The moment we reunited when Kathy came back, there were tears everywhere – it was a magical moment.'
Kathy Beale, played by Taylforth, has proved popular among EastEnders during her time on the BBC soap, with fans in the Reddit group r/EastEnders describing her as an "absolute legend".
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One fan, posting on Reddit, said: "I won't hear a bad word against Kathy. She's an absolute legend for a reason.
"She's always been a low key badass and NEVER took any s**t from anyone."
Another added: "Kathy Beale is brilliant!"
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