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Celebrating television's This Is Your Life

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THIS IS YOUR LIFE - Gillian Taylforth, actress, was surprised by Michael Aspel while filming for the ITV drama series Footballers' Wives at the National Maritime Museum in London.

Gillian, who was born in London, began her acting career in the 1970s after training at the Anna Scher Theatre School. She appeared in commercials and minor roles on television in programmes such as Hi-de-Hi!, Shelley, On Safari and The Rag Trade while working as a solicitor's secretary between acting jobs.

Gillian's big break came in 1985 when she was cast as Kathy Beale in BBC television's new soap opera EastEnders - a role which made her a household name. She appeared in the first episode and stayed with the soap until 1998. After leaving EastEnders, she was cast as Jackie Pascoe-Webb in the ITV drama series Footballers' Wives.

"First time I've ever been lost for words!"

programme details...

• Edition No: 1108
• Subject No: 1084
• Broadcast date: Thu 16 Jan 2003
• Broadcast time: 7.00-7.30pm
• Recorded: Tue 1 Oct 2002 9.30pm
• Venue: BBC Television Centre
• Series: 43
• Edition: 3
• Code name: Tea

on the guest list...

• cast members of Footballers' Wives
• Geoff Knights - partner
• Adam Woodyatt
• Todd Carty
• Anna Wing
• Dean Gaffney
• John Altman
• Debbie Arnold
• Shobu Kapoor
• Mona Hammond
• Anita Dobson
• Marge - mother
• Debbie - sister
• Janice - sister
• Ann Brennan
• Terry Kirby
• Sue Innes
• Penny Twydell
• Kim - sister
• Philly Bostock
• Tom Bostock
• Christopher Biggins
• Adam Faith
• Anna Scher
• Malcolm Gillard
• Jessica - daughter
• Harrison - son
Filmed tributes:
• David Seaman
• Linda Robson
• Michelle Collins

related appearances...

• Mike Reid - Nov 1994
• Christopher Biggins - Jan 1999
• Anita Dobson - Mar 2002

production team...

• Researchers: Deborah Cowan, Ruth Malone, Carrie Rose
• Writer: Joe Steeples
• Director: John Gorman
• Associate Producer: Helen Gordon-Smith
• Series Producer: Jack Crawshaw
• Producer: Sue Green

• names above in bold indicate subjects of This Is Your Life

East End Life

Albert Square's finest

Christopher Biggins

Todd Carty

Anita Dobson

Adam Faith

Screenshots of Gillian Taylforth This Is Your Life