EastEnders' Kathy Beale star Gillian Taylforth, 69, reveals secret to her age-defying appearance
The actress also had tips on how to keep looking young
EASTENDERS star Gillian Taylforth has been spilling the beans on the secret to her age-defying appearance.
Actress Gillian, 69, debuted as Kathy Beale in the BBC soap's very first episode, which aired in February 1985, and still looks the same.
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Actress Gillian Taylforth has revealed the secret to her age-defying look
Credit: Prima UK / Nicky Johnston
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Gillian began playing the role of Kathy Beale in 1985
Credit: PA:Press Association
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The soap star returned to the Square in 2015
Credit: BBC
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Gillian has been spilling her beauty secrets
Credit: Prima UK / Nicky Johnston
Talking about her timeless look in the August issue of Prima magazine, Gillian - who turns 70 that month - said: '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.'
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Gillian also spilled her secrets to looking fab, and how others can also stay young.
'I always fill my water bottle with different fruits. Every morning, I have hot water and lemon and a detox tea bag," the actress told the magazine.
"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.
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"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.'
PRAISE FROM FANS
Gillian has previously been praised for her youthful looks by fans.
Watch shocking moment Kathy Beale snogs new lover behind his partner's back in EastEnders
When the actress celebrated her 69th birthday last August, fans showered praise on her on an EastEnders-dedicated online group.
One wrote: "69? More like 39..!!!! Some women just never seem to age.. Gillian is one those fortunate Ladies!!! She's great."
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Another stated: "Aged really well", as a fellow fan chimed in with: "Very pretty still today".
EASTENDERS FAME
Gillian's original Walford stint as spanned from 1985 to 2000.
During this tenure, her character Kathy featured in hard-hitting storylines exploring domestic violence, rape, teenage pregnancy and alcoholism among others.
In 2006, fans thought the character met her end after supposedly being killed in a road accident in South Africa.
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Gillian's character Kathy has been involved in some emotional storylines on EastEnders - seen here in 1999
Credit: BBC
However, almost a decade later, Kathy was revealed to be alive in one of the soap's biggest twists.
Her "demise" was actually an insurance scam concocted by controlling husband Gavin Sullivan (Paul Nicholas), who also faked his death.
Gillian appeared in several other shows during her time away from EastEnders.
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Notably, she portrayed Sandy Roscoe in Channel 4 soap Hollyoaks from 2013 to 2015.
Gillian also starred in the hit noughties drama, Footballers' Wives.
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Friday Saturday Sunday How to watch Glastonbury on TV The full line-up Friday Supergrass (Pyramid, midday) If this is the second summer of Britpop, then who better to kick it off than Britpop's favourite baby band? The 90s retro rock genre's cheekiest monkeys have matured with both arty adventure and soulful depth, and they still keep their teeth nice and clean. Hang around afterwards for feisty, wacky Irish pop-rock songstress CMAT on the Pyramid at 1.30pm. She's a star of the future. Wet Leg (Other Stage, 3.45pm) The snarky alt-pop duo have expanded into a thrilling rock quintet and still perform with a giddy sense of joy, as if they can't quite believe their own explosive success. Angular guitar riffs and tartly amusing vocals form the backbone of singalong songs poking fun at men, dating, sexism and all the absurdities of popular culture. Self Esteem (The Park, 9.15pm) Rebecca Lucy-Taylor has had a late blooming success under the guise of Self Esteem, concocting witty and emotional pop about the challenges of feminism and femininity in the 21 st century. Her richly theatrical live shows add dazzling choreographed pizzaz to her themes, like a grown-up Taylor Swift meeting Charli XCX at a Fringe musical of Bridget Jones. Settle into your armchair for a mini-spectacular sure to be one of the highlights of Glastonbury. The 1975 (Pyramid, 10.15pm) Britain's smartest and most provocative contemporary pop-rock ensemble, The 1975 will be pulling out all the stops for their only live appearance this year, with a specially designed set marking their ascendancy to Pyramid Stage headliners. The fact that frontman Matty Healey was the subject of Taylor Swift 's blockbusting The Tortured Poets Department album adds a frisson to proceedings, as he reclaims his own pop idol space. I've heard that they have spent four times their actual fee on the production. This is going to be spectacular: Glastonbury 2025's most unmissable show. Saturday Brandi Carlile (Pyramid, 1.30pm) America's best-kept musical secret was introduced to the wider world by her fantastic new global chart-topping album with Elton John, Who Believes In Angels? The Americana singer-songwriter delivers Joni Mitchell-level lyrical and melodious songcraft with an incredible Roy Orbison-esque octave scaling voice, all wrapped in the lush harmonies of a band who could give Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young a run for their money. Kneecap (West Holts, 4pm) What will the BBC do about the incendiary Northern Irish rap trio, who have recently been getting into so much trouble for onstage pro-Palestine protests? 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Raye (Pyramid, 8pm) Raye is the most all-round talented pop and dance singer-songwriter Britain has produced in a decade, with a warmth of character, vocal range and musical depth to bring the sunshine to any occasion. The 27-year-old hitmaker has been climbing festival bills since the release of her luscious and masterful debut album My 21st Century Blues in 2023, and it surely won't be too many years before she is atop the Pyramid herself. Charli XCX (Other Stage, 10.30pm) Pop maximalist Charli XCX bestrode 2024's charts, the sassy electropop of Brat delivering a zeitgeist-surfing global smash album for a woman who has been mischievously poking pop culture's edges for nearly two decades. Last year, her DJ set at Glastonbury's 7,000 capacity Levels stage was so over-attended it brought the festival to a standstill. This year, she headlines the 50,000 capacity Other Stage – but might just achieve the same feat again. Neil Young (Pyramid, 10pm – BBC slot unconfirmed) Rock veteran Neil Young is scheduled against the British star on the Pyramid, but will his epic wonky guitar solos and passionate sincerity be enough to hold the attention of Glastonbury's partygoers? The BBC is being very circumspect about whether it will be broadcasting Young's set, in any case, since the old curmudgeon is no fan of the Corporation. But if they do go with Young over the younger star, expect some anti-Trumpian political broadsides. Sunday Rod Stewart (Pyramid, 3.45pm) The Sunday afternoon legends slot has become a standout feature of Glastonbury, when everything comes to a halt and the entire festival gathers in front of the Pyramid for a massive singalong of cherished favourites. Veteran superstars don't come any more super than Rod Stewart, who rose in the Sixties as a soulful rock belter, bestrode the Seventies in tight flares and tartan scarves, slipped into the shoulder pad suits of 80s power pop, was sustained as an icon of laddism in the Britpop 90s, commandeered the Great American Songbook in the 2000s and revived his own characterful songwriting with a clutch of chart-topping albums in the 2010s. At 80, he's still got the voice, he's still got the hair, he's still got the energy, and he's definitely got the songs. I suspect the whole nation will be sailing with Sir Rod on Sunday afternoon. And dedicated groovers will stay tuned for Nile Rodgers & Chic at 6pm. St Vincent (Woodsies, 6.30pm) The Woodsies stage is hosting a lot of fine bands and solo artists over the weekend from alternative rock and pop's boldest edges. You could log onto this all day every day and not be disappointed, catching sets from an (unannounced but widely rumoured) Lorde, Lola Young, Pink Pantheress and Floating Points on Friday; Nova Twins, TV on the Radio, Father John Misty and Scissor Sisters on Saturday; and Gurriers, Sprints, Black Country, New Road, AJ Tracey and Jorja Smith on Sunday. I'll catch you down the front for St Vincent, a phenomenal singer and guitarist who blends Bowie with Prince and comes up with something unique. Wolf Alice (Other Stage, 7.45pm) The British alt-rock quartet have made some of the most adventurous guitar based music of recent years, but still felt like they were keeping something in reserve, perhaps to protect fabulous frontwoman Ellie Rowsell, whose emotive songs speak to the anxieties of modern youth. But they now have a new major label and new album in the works, and recent spruced up publicity shots – and an ironically sexy video – suggest Rowsell is freeing herself of the leash. 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BBC iPlayer is your one-stop rock shop Glastonbury used to be an outdoor rock festival. Then, it became a TV event. Now, it exists largely on the internet, with the BBC carrying live streams of all five main stages from Friday through to Sunday. There will also be a separate highlights channel – called The Glastonbury Highlights Channel, surprisingly enough. Plus, the BBC's Glastonbury YouTube channel will also allow you to catch up with the day's heaviest hitters. 2. Just like a real festival, don't overdo it Festival anxiety and fatigue can set in quickly if you try to cram in too many acts. The same applies to the couch-bound Glastonbury-goer. So take it steady and don't try to watch everything – though, thanks to all those BBC channels, you probably could if you wanted to. If it ever feels too much, switch on the new season of Squid Game instead – after half an hour of Noah Kahan singing with his eyes closed, all that mindless violence will come as a welcome relief. 3. There's no need to stay up all night One of the advantages of Glastonbury at home is that you can avoid staying up until the wee hours. For instance, The 1975 won't be taking to the Pyramid Stage on Friday until 10.15pm and play until close to midnight. So if you'd prefer some shut-eye over watching Matty Healy doing his ironic prat routine, call an early night – and then catch up on Glastonbury Highlights the next day. 4. BBC One is for the 'Glastonbury Lite' experience A 'curated' Glastonbury is what's on the table on BBC One, where Friday's big draw are The 1975; Saturday, for its part, welcomes Raye and Charli XCX; and Sunday has US star Olivia Rodrigo – preceded by Rod Stewart in the afternoon 'Legends' slot. In other words, Glastonbury, but not too much of it. BBC Two, meanwhile, is for Glasto grazers, with Lauren Laverne and Jo Whiley presenting a nightly highlight package of the best of each day. Think of it as Match of the Day with temporary tattoos and wellies instead of goal-mouth replays. 5. For more obscure acts, stick with BBC Four While pop fans and rock dads are busy enjoying Olivia Rodrigo and Rod Stewart on BBC One, those of a more 'indie' persuasion are advised to throw on BBC Four and not switch channels all weekend. For it is on the BBC's clever-clogs channel that you can watch Franz Ferdinand and Wunderhorse on Friday, Amyl and the Sniffers and Beth Gibbons of Portishead on Saturday, and Snow Patrol and St Vincent on Sunday. The same advice applies to ageing electro-loving headbangers, as the Prodigy's Sunday night slot will also be broadcast on BBC Four. Psychosomatic addict insane! Just don't rave too hard or you will scare the cat. Ed Power The full Glastonbury line-up Pyramid Stage Friday June 27 Supergrass: 12-1pm CMAT: 1.30-2.30pm Burning Spear: 3-4pm TBA (rumoured to be Lewis Capaldi): 4.55-5.30pm Alanis Morissette: 6.15-7.15pm Biffy Clyro: 8.15-9.25pm The 1975: 10.15-11.45pm Saturday June 28 Kaiser Chiefs: 12-1pm Brandi Carlile: 1.30-2.30pm The Script: 3-4pm John Fogerty: 4.30-5.30pm Patchwork (rumoured to be Pulp): 6-7pm Raye: 8-9pm Neil Young And The Chrome Hearts: 10-11.45pm Sunday June 29 The Selecter: 11.15am-12pm Celeste: 12.30-1.30pm The Libertines: 2-3pm Rod Stewart: 3.45-5.15pm Nile Rodgers & Chic: 6-7pm Noah Kahan: 7.45-8.45pm Olivia Rodrigo: 9.45-11.15pm Other Stage Friday June 27 Fabio & Grooverider And The Outlook Orchestra: 11.30am-12.30pm Rizzle Kicks: 1-1.45pm Inhaler: 2.15-3.15pm Wet Leg: 3.45-4.45pm Franz Ferdinand: 5.15-6.15pm Gracie Abrams: 6.45-7.45pm Busta Rhymes: 8.30-9.30pm Loyle Carner: 10.30-11.45pm Saturday June 28 Alessi Rose: 11.30am-12.15pm Good Neighbours: 12.45-13.30pm Beabadoobee: 2-3pm Weezer: 3.30-4.30pm Amyl & The Sniffers: 5-6pm Ezra Collective: 6.45-7.45pm Deftones: 8.30-9.30pm Charli XCX: 10.30-11.45pm Sunday June 29 Louis Dunford: 11.15am-12pm Nadine Shah: 12.30-1.15pm Shaboozey: 1.45-2.30pm Joy Crookes: 3-3.45pm Turnstile: 4.30-5.30pm Snow Patrol: 6-7pm Wolf Alice: 7.45-8.45pm The Prodigy: 9.45-11.15pm West Holts Stage Friday June 27 11.30am-12.30pm Ca7riel & Paco Amoroso: 1-2pm Glass Beams: 2.30-3.25pm Vieux Farka Toure: 4-5pm En Vogue: 5.30-6.30pm Denzel Curry: 7-8pm Badbadnotgood: 8.30-9.30pm Maribou State: 10.15-11.45pm Saturday June 28 Infinity Song: 11.30am-12.30pm Nilüfer Yanya: 1-2pm Bob Vylan: 2.30-3.30pm Kneecap: 4-5pm Yussef Dayes: 5.30-6.30pm Greentea Peng: 7-8pm Amaarae: 8.30-9.30pm Doechii: 10.15-11.45pm Sunday June 29 Thandii: 11am-12:00pm Abel Selaocoe & The Bantu Ensemble: 12.30-1.30pm Cymande: 2-3pm Black Uhuru: 3.30-4.30pm Goat: 5-6pm The Brian Jonestown Massacre: 6.30-7.30pm Parcels: 8-9pm Overmono: 9.45-11.15pm Woodsies Friday June 27 Myles Smith: 12.45-1.30pm Fat Dog: 2-2.45pm Shed Seven: 3.15-4pm Lola Young: 4.30-5.30pm Blossoms: 6-7pm Pinkpantheress: 7.30-8.30pm Floating Points: 9-10pm Four Tet: 10.30-11:45pm Saturday June 28 The Amazons: 11.30am-12.15pm Sorry: 12.45-1.30pm Fcukers: 2-2.45pm Jade: 3.15-4pm Nova Twins: 4.30-5.30pm TV On The Radio: 6-7pm Father John Misty: 7.30-8.30pm Tom Odell: 9-10pm Scissor Sisters: 10.30-11.45pm Sunday June 29 Westside Cowboy: 11.15am-12pm Gurriers: 12.30-1.30pm Sprints: 2-3pm Djo: 3.30-4.30pm Black Country, New Road: 5-6pm St. Vincent: 6.30-7.30pm AJ Tracey: 8-9pm Jorja Smith: 9.30-10.45pm The Park Friday June 27 Horsegirl: 10.30am-12.10pm John Glacier: 12.45-1.30pm Jalen Ngonda: 2-2.45pm Faye Webster: 3.15-4pm English Teacher: 4.30-5.30pm Osees: 6-7pm Wunderhorse: 7.30-8.30pm Self Esteem: 9.15-10.15pm Anohni And The Johnsons: 11pm-12.15am Saturday June 28 Yann Tiersen: 11.10am-12.10pm Ichiko Aoba: 12.45-1.30pm Japanese Breakfast: 2-3pm Lucy Dacus: 3.30-4.15pm Pa Salieu: 4.45-5.30pm Gary Numan: 6-7pm TBA (rumoured to be Lorde or Haim): 7.30-8.30pm Beth Gibbons: 9.15-10.15pm Caribou: 11pm-12.15am Sunday June 29 Melin Melyn: 11.30am-12.15pm Geordie Greep: 12.45pm-1.30pm Katy J Pearson: 2pm- 2.45pm Royel Otis: 3.15-4pm Girl In Red: 4.30-5.30pm Kae Tempest: 6-7pm Future Islands: 7.35-8.35pm The Maccabees: 9.15-10.30pm
