BBC EastEnders’ Kathy Beale star’s life – including tragedy, famous sister and co-star romance
Kathy Beale has been a staple of EastEnders since the soap’s first episode in February 1985TVAngie Quinn08:45, 09 Mar 2025EastEnders: Kathy listens to Dermot O’Leary on the radioEastEnders icon Kathy Beale, portrayed by Gillian Taylforth, has been a staple of Albert Square since the soap’s inaugural episode in February 1985. In the early days, Kathy was wed to Pete Beale (Peter Dean), twin brother to Pauline Fowler (Wendy Richard), and mother to the late Martin Fowler (James Bye).After a failed marriage to Phil Mitchell (Steve McFadden), Kathy left the Square in 1998 for South Africa with her son Ben and new husband Gavin Sullivan (Paul Nicholas). She returned briefly in 1999 before leaving again on 6 January 2000.Years later, her son Ian Beale (Adam Woodyatt) was devastated to hear she’d died in a car crash – which was a complete lie. In 2015, Kathy dramatically returned to Walford and has remained a fan favourite.Kathy Beale is an original family member of the Fowler/Beale family READ MORE: More