EastEnders’ Gillian Taylforth reveals her boyfriend has been given the all-clear from cancer four years after her former partner died from the disease
Soap actress celebrates after partner, 62, gets the all-clear five years on from his 2012 prostate cancer diagnosis - after the father of her two children died of stomach cancer.
GILLIAN Taylforth has revealed her relief after her boyfriend was given the all-clear from cancer - four years after she lost her former partner to the disease.
The EastEnders star lost her ex Geoff Knights to stomach cancer in 2013, but is now delighted that current partner Dave Fairbairn is cancer-free, following his 2012 diagnosis.
Kathy Beale's alter-ego says Dave has beaten prostate cancer following a 2012 diagnosis from doctors, six months before they began their romance.
Dave, a 62-year-old stockbroker turned personal trainer, initially kept his illness a secret from Gillian - and after he revealed the truth, she supported him through brachytherapy.
Gillian, 62, explained: “He did have to take it easy for a long time because of being unwell but he has just got given the all clear for having prostate cancer and it’s been a long journey for him.
“It’s so great and he is delighted. Now he has to have check-ups every few months to see that everything is in order – but it’s been a big relief for us all."
The soap legend added: “We are both in a really good place. Having had prostate cancer has put certain things into perspective after that – he wants us to enjoy life - and he also wants to see a lot more of his grandchildren, which is really heart-warming.”
Gillian understands the impact of cancer all too well as she had two children - Jessica, 23, and Harrison, 16 - with late ex Geoff, who she got together with during the 80s.
She revealed in 2015: “It’s been very difficult for the children. You learn to hate the word.
"It’s frightening - but research is getting good and you always have to think onwards and upwards.”
Now, with this dark episode behind her, Gillian is back on EastEnders - but Kathy has plenty of darkness ahead.
"It was quite emotional actually as it’s been well over 20 years since we saw one another," she said.
"He has still got that wonderful posh voice and it was brilliant to catch up… and now he is going to be in EastEnders for a while yet so there will be plenty in store for viewers..
"He believes that Kathy ruined his life so it will be interesting to see what happens between the pair," the actress teased.
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