In the early years of EastEnders, Kathy was wed to Peter Beale, Pauline Fowler’s twin brother, known for his fruit and veg stall on Bridge Street Market.

In a dramatic twist in 1998, Kathy left Walford behind, relocating to South Africa with her son Ben and new husband Gavin Sullivan. She made brief returns in 1999 but bid her final farewell to the Square in January 2000.

However, in a shocking turn of events, Ian was devastated to hear that Kathy and Gavin had died in a car accident, which later turned out to be false.

In 2015, Kathy made a triumphant return to Walford, where she has remained a fan favourite. Despite being a staple on EastEnders for many years, some fans are only just discovering the actress’s true age.

Gillian celebrated her 69th birthday on August 14, earning praise for her youthful appearance, reports the Daily Star.

Fans took to a Facebook group dedicated to EastEnders to express their admiration for the Kathy Beale actress.

One user posted: “Happy Birthday to Gillian Taylforth who is 69 today”, to which another responded: “Aged really well.”

Another fan commented: “Very pretty still today”, while another added: “More like 39..! ! ! ! Some women just never seem to age.. Gillian is one those fortunate Ladies! ! ! She’s great.”

“She looks fantastic”, one fan gushed, while another echoed: “She is never 69?”

Kathy has been missing from recent episodes as her character visits her incarcerated son in America, who was sentenced for fraud. However, the beloved character is set to make a comeback to Albert Square next week.

As soon as Kathy returns, she promptly informs Phil Mitchell, portrayed by Steve