‘EastEnders' Spoiler: Paul Nicholas To Play Kathy Beale's Husband Gavin Sullivan
Paul Nicholas Lands Interesting 'EastEnders' Role
Ashley Percival — The Huffington Post UK
‘EastEnders’ bosses have cast the ex-husband of recent returnee Kathy Beale, with veteran actor Paul Nicholas set to play Gavin Sullivan.
The actor - who is best known for his role in 80s sitcom ‘Just Good Friends’ - will make his debut as Gavin later this year, after she made a return from the dead for the soap’s 30th anniversary in February.
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Paul Nicholas
Speaking of his new role, Paul said: “I am delighted to be joining the wonderful cast of EastEnders for what is going to be an exciting time ahead. I can't wait to get started and seeing what's in store for my character.”
EastEnders' Executive Producer, Dominic Treadwell-Collins, added: “We are all thrilled that Paul has agreed to join our cast to play Gavin.
“So many British television viewers have grown up with Paul Nicholas so it’s brilliant to have him back on our screens, playing a major part in Kathy’s explosive return to the Square, while also holding the key to many more of the Square’s secrets.”
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Kathy's been lurking in the shadows
Kathy is set to make a full-time return to the Square in the autumn, having previously been killed in an off-screen car crash with Gavin in 2006.
1. Kathy first appeared in 'EastEnders' in 1985.(01 of08)
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Kathy and her husband Pete, along with their son Ian Beale, were one of Walford's original families and Gillian's character remained in the soap until 2000. (credit:Martin Leaver/allaction.co.uk /EMPICS Entertainment)
2. She's got history with Phil.(02 of08)
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In 1993, Kathy began an affair with Phil Mitchell, which was as rocky as you might expect. Despite their various troubles, the couple had baby Ben - yes, the one who murdered Heather - a year after their 1995 marriage. (credit:BBC Pictures)
3. Sharon isn't going to be happy. (03 of08)
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Sharon and Kathy's rivalry goes right back to 1993, when Kathy discovered that her lover Phil - who was married to Nadia at the time - was also having an affair with Sharon. How will Sharon feel about Kathy being back on the scene? Our guess is - NOT happy. Can we just take a second to look at Letitia Dean's hair in this photo, please? (credit:BBC Pictures)
4. Kathy starred in a number of key storylines(04 of08)
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Kathy's rape storyline was watched by over 19 million viewers in 1988, and the soap was praised for the way it handled the sensitive subject. Her domestic violence storyline was also well-received by viewers. (credit:BBC Pictures)
5. Gillian decided to leave in 2000.(05 of08)
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The actress said she needed a break, and wanted to try other things away from the world of Walford. (credit:BBC Pictures)
6. Kathy also had an affair with Grant.(06 of08)
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Those Mitchell brothers are just so irresistible, aren't they? (credit:BBC Pictures)
8. Kathy was presumed dead in 2006.(07 of08)
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It was announced that Kathy was being killed off, in order to allow her son Ben to return to the soap with his dad Phil Mitchell... (credit:BBC Pictures)
9. BUT NOW SHE'S BACK!(08 of08)
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...Yes! Little did we know, 'EastEnders' executive producer Dominic Treadwell-Collins was masterminding a return for Kathy. Phil's managed to keep her presence a secret for quite some time, but it looks like the Kat(hy) is about to be let out of the bag. (credit:BBC Pictures)