While the actress is enjoying a time of fresh success on the work front with her triumphant return to 'EastEnders' after a 15-year break, her personal life has been rocked by news that her fiancé David Fairburn is fearful his prostate cancer may have spread.
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Gillian Taylforth is enjoying a time of mixed fortune, with professional success shadowed by fresh fears for her fiance's health
The Mirror reports that Gillian's partner Dave is facing exploratory tests after doctors discovered abnormalities.
The paper quotes a source close to the couple saying: “Dave is trying to remain as upbeat as possible. He is going into hospital on Thursday for a colonoscopy and is hoping to get the all clear."
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'EastEnders' fans have been engrossed by the shock return of Kathy Beale to the Square
The couple have been engaged for two years, with Dave being diagnosed with prostate cancer six months before meeting his actress partner. He had reportedly hoped to be in remission by the end of this year.
This personal struggle will overshadow what should be a week of professional triumph for Gillian, as she returns to Albert Square after a 15-year break.
'EastEnders' fans have watched her character Kathy Beale return from the dead in a much-hyped episode which found her come face to face with Nemesis Sharon Mitchell, following her shock appearance in the live episode earlier this year.
Geoff Knights, Gillian's ex-partner and father of her two children, died of stomach cancer in 2013.
Despite this latest setback, Gillian is determined to remain positive, keeping her plans in place to marry Dave when there is a break in her work schedule and keeping her mind set on the future.
Who Is Kathy Beale?
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)