EastEnders fans have worked out Kathy Beale’s ‘real age’ and discovered that she’s the same age as one of the soaps icons who appeared four decades ago

EastEnders fans have been left blown away by Kathy Beale’s real age. In recent days, viewers of the hit BBC show have seen a love triangle unfold between Kathy, Harvey Monroe and his partner, Jean Slater. In the past, Kathy and cab driver Harvey shared a kiss but tension has been brewing recently, with the pair deciding to embark on an affair behind Jean’s back.

Harvey has made it no secret that he feels pushed out by Jean, who is currently helping to plan the funeral of Martin Fowler, who died during the live episode to celebrate the 40th anniversary. But while Kathy’s steamy affair is set to take centre stage, some fans have been left stunned after discovering that the Beale matriarch is in fact, the same age as her on-screen mother-in-law, Lou Beale.

Social media sleuths have dug up a picture of Lou, played by the late Anna Wing and placed it side by side alongside Kathy, who is played by Gillian Taylforth. Lou was described by the BBC as a “stereotypical dominant East End matriarch.” But the picture seems to be much older than Kathy, who is said to be around 75-years-old.

During a 2020 episode, it was revealed that Kathy, the mum of Ian Beale, was 70. But fans couldn’t believe that the characters were the same age in both snaps, while looking very different. “Isn’t it funny how people looked older back then? I think the hairstyles had a lot to do with it,” said one.

Fans couldn’t believe Kathy Beale’s real age ( 
Image:
BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron)

A second commented: “Seems unfair to compare anyone to Gillian Taylforth. She clearly defies any and all conceptions of the ageing process.” Meanwhile a third fan went on to say: “I feel like not only have expectations of beauty changed, women don’t ‘have to’ age anymore and the fashion is just younger. I think it’s been a fairly quick change, even women in their 50s were depicted quite old back then (think Dot was late 40s?)”

However, one fan went on to comment that Gillian has spoken openly about having cosmetic enhancements over the years. The viewer said: “She’s open about having cosmetic work done. Gillian’s work is very well done, very naturally so people don’t realise.” But, there is scientific research behind people looking younger nowadays.

McGill at the University of Canada credits this to a variety of things including the environment, better health treatments and fashion choices. Lou first appeared on the soap on February 19, 1985. Tragically, she was killed off on July 26, 1988 having appeared in 232 episodes of the hit soap opera.

Kathy is the same age as her on-screen mother-in-law, Lou Beale ( 
Image:
PA)
Meanwhile, Kathy who at the time was known as Kathy Cotton also appeared in the very first episode and married into the Beale family, tying the knot with Peter Beale. However, Gillian was dismissed from the role of Kathy due to her young age but bosses later reconsidered their decision.

Over the years, Kathy has faced a string of strong storylines, including her exit in 1997 when she moved to South Africa with her youngest child, Ben Mitchell. But in 2006, Kathy was believed to have been killed off during a road collision. Nine years later, she returned to the show – despite her character supposedly being dead as part of the programmes 30th anniversary.

Kathy’s return was confirmed on August 17, 2015, and was inspired by the John Darwin disappearance case. Since then, the businesswoman has found herself unlucky in love, with her latest husband, Rocky Cotton, landing himself behind bars after setting fire to Kathy’s café.