Actor Gillian Taylforth is among the original cast members celebrating EastEnders' 40th anniversary this week.

The BBC show - which launched on February 19 in 1985 - is marking the occasion with an hour-long episode and a live episode, as well as a public vote. Viewers have already seen an explosion at the Queen Vic put several lives at risk.

Gillian, 69, has been part of a major storyline in the build-up to the anniversary which centred on her character Kathy Beale's daughter-in-law Cindy Beale (played by Michelle Collins) being attacked at Christmas Day. Fans have been waiting since then to find out who almost killed the character.

Tuesday night's episode saw Cindy confront her partner Ian Beale (Adam Woodyatt) with a gun, which prompted him to suggest that the assailant was their son Peter Beale (Thomas Law). Kathy then appeared and said that it had been her. They later got caught up in the pub explosion and it's yet to be confirmed whether Kathy or Cindy will make it out alive.

Ahead of Wednesday night's anniversary episode, and Thursday's live instalment, the Mirror has taken a look at Gillian's life off-screen, which has attracted attention over the years. It includes a glimpse at her relationships and why she's said to have almost not been cast in the role of Kathy.