EASTENDERS legend Gillian Taylforth has recalled a ‘dark time’ on the show following a harrowing storyline.
Viewers know Gillian, 69, for her iconic role as Kathy Beale in the BBC soap.
Ahead of the soap’s landmark 40th anniversary, the actress reflected on her alter-ego’s darkest storyline.
She was asked by Radio Times magazine whether any of Kathy’s experiences took a psychological toll on her personally.
The actress highlighted Kathy’s 1988 rape by James Wilmott-Brown (William Boyde) as an example.
Gillian revealed: “I remember going home with the scripts [when Kathy was raped by James Willmott-Brown in 1988] and feeling very down and sad about it all.
“Learning those lines was a dark time. And actually, when it all happened in the Dagmar [wine bar], it was quite scary.
“Then, doing the big scene in the police station, having to go through it all again… It was gruelling.”
Gillian debuted as Kathy in 1985, when the BBC show first aired on screens.
She stayed in the role until 2000 and the character was seemingly killed off-screen in 2006.
Kathy made a surprise return in the 30th anniversary – and has been back in Walford ever since.
Elsewhere, Kathy is currently embroiled in one of the BBC soap’s classic whodunnits.
[bc_video account_id=”5067014667001″ application_id=”” aspect_ratio=”16:9″ autoplay=”” caption=”EastEnders’ Nish Panesar sells Kathy Beale the cafe for an astonishing price” embed=”in-page” experience_id=”” height=”100%” language_detection=”” max_height=”360px” max_width=”640px” min_width=”0px” mute=”” padding_top=”56%” picture_in_picture=”” player_id=”default” playlist_id=”” playsinline=”” sizing=”responsive” video_id=”6353886922112″ video_ids=”” width=”640px”]An unidentified assailant hit former daughter-in-law Cindy (Michelle Collins) over the head with a shovel at Christmas.
This followed the revelation that Cindy had been cheating on Kathy’s son Ian (Adam Woodyatt).
Kathy, Ian and Ian’s son Peter (Thomas Law) are all among the official suspects.
This line-up also includes Cindy’s other ex-husband, George (Colin Salmon) and his new wife Elaine (Harriet Peacock).
Cindy’s former lover Junior Knight (Micah Balfour) – who happens to be George’s son – is also a suspect.
As are Cindy and George’s daughters Gina (Francesca Henry) and Anna (Molly Rainford).
Will Kathy be revealed as the mystery attacker?
EastEnders airs on BBC One and iPlayer.
