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Gillian Taylforth talks EastEnders’ Kathy revelation
There was a shock for Cindy Beale in tonight’s episode…
Cindy Beale (Michelle Collins) became the villain of the year 2024 down Walford way when it was exposed at Christmas how she’d been cheating on hubby Ian (Adam Woodyatt) with the son of her ex-husband George Knight (Colin Salmon), Junior (Micah Balfour). But that wasn’t all – she’d also got herself involved in a number of other issues that saw nine suspects in total when it came to Cindy being whacked over the head with a snow shovel in December.
Tonight’s EastEnders saw Cindy finally discover the back of the head basher when Kathy (Gillian Taylforth) admitted to the attempted murder. “My only regret? That you are still breathing.”
Here Gillian Taylforth, one of ‘Enders original cast members, talks the revelation. Over on the next page, there’s a sneak peak into tomorrow nights hour-long special as the show marks its 40th anniversary.
How did you react when you found out Kathy was responsible for Cindy’s Christmas Day attack?
Shocked! Chris asked us all to come in for a meeting so he could tell us altogether which was great fun. We wouldn’t usually all find out as a group, but with it being the anniversary, they wanted to tell us together. None of us knew anything before that point, but apparently they all thought it was me anyway! [Laughs] I had a tiny suspicion it could have been Kathy, only because it’s no secret that there is no love lost between her and her daughter-in-law, but I was shocked when I found out!
Who did you think was responsible?
I was convinced it was going to be either Ian or Peter. I thought the tables would have turned and Ian would have a go at getting his own back on Cindy, or that Peter would have reacted on behalf of his dad. I even thought it could have been Junior at one point as Cindy humiliated him in the pub and he was lurking in the shadows on Christmas night.
Did you think Kathy had it in her?
I think she’ll be more disappointed she didn’t finish the job! [Laughs] All jokes aside, Kathy has seen Ian be hurt by Cindy time and time again, and so I think she finally thought, enough is enough. Kathy knew that Cindy would try and worm her way back into Ian’s life at the next chance that she got because she always does, and ultimately Kathy did what she did to protect her son. Ian is a fool in love when it comes to Cindy, and Kathy couldn’t let him get hurt by her again. Don’t forget that Cindy tried to kill Ian, so in Kathy’s eyes, it’s payback.
The promo for Cindy’s Christmas head banger / BBC /Jack Barnes / Kieron McCarron
Do you think Cindy and Kathy are more alike than they care to admit?
Cindy and Kathy have both come back from the dead so I suppose there is that, but I think the beauty in their relationship is that they love to hate each other. Kathy is a fierce protector of her family, and will do anything for her children, whereas Cindy is often looking out for number one. She is a lot more hap-hazard in her approach, and has hurt a lot more people along the way. Kathy wouldn’t dream of treating someone she was supposed to love like the way Cindy has treated Ian.
What was it like to film those dramatic reveal scenes?
Dramatic, and really exciting. Tonight’s episode is just the beginning of what’s to come, it doesn’t end here.
How does it feel to take a central role in the show’s 40th anniversary storyline, especially being an original cast member?
It’s an honour and privilege. When we started all of those years ago, none of us had any idea of what impact the show would have had, and to be here forty years later alongside Adam and Tish is just wonderful.
It’s a decade since Kathy returned to Albert Square / BBC
This anniversary also marks 10 years since Kathy returned. How does it feel?
I can’t believe how fast the time has flown. When I was asked back 10 years ago, I was asked to have a meeting with the then Executive Producer, Dominic Treadwell Collins, and I thought he was going to talk to me about doing something for Comic Relief with Adam.
I had no idea he wanted to bring Kathy back from the dead! [Laughs] I went for a meeting at his house, and when he told me the storyline and his plan to bring back Kathy, I burst into tears. This show holds such a special place in my heart, and as cliché as it sounds, we are all, cast and crew, like a family.
There is so much that goes into producing a show like this, week in week out, and I’m so proud to be here amongst all my fellow comrades. It’s just been wonderful. I also have to say a special thank you to Chris Clenshaw. His influence on this show has been sublime, and I’m so grateful to him for the storylines he’s given Kathy in his time here.
EastEnders, BBC One, 7.30pm Monday to Thursday, catch up this week on the iPlayer.
