EastEnders star Gillian Taylforth finds love again with new man who is ten years her junior – as she moves on from convicted drug baron ex

EastEnders star Gillian Taylforth has found love again with new boyfriend Philip Oag, four years after her last relationship.

The 68-year-old actress, who is best known for her role as Kathy Beale in the BBC soap, has been single since calling off her wedding to Dave Fairbairn in 2019.

Sources told The Sun that the pair have been dating for at least a year and live together in Gillian’s home.

They said: ‘Gillian is in love with Philip – they have been secretly dating for over a year and he has even moved in with her. Everyone is so happy for her.’

Philip, 59, is operations director of The Cranley Clinic, a cosmetic clinic in London.

Romance: Sources told The Sun the pair have been dating for at least a year and live together at Gillian’s house

MailOnline has contacted Gillian’s representatives for comment.

Gillian split from fiancé David in late 2019 after six years together after their relationship came under strain following a ‘series of disagreements’, reports at the time claimed.

The pair had been together since 2013 and Gillian originally split from Dave two years earlier due to ‘fiery arguments’ between the pair, but later rekindled their romance.

The pair remained close despite calling off their wedding last year.

Gillian’s relationship with him was her first after her split from her ex-partner of 23 years Geoff Knights.

She shares two children with Geoff, who tragically died of stomach cancer in 2013 at the age of 58.

In 2020, David was taken into custody after appearing in court on gun possession charges.

David appeared before a magistrate today charged with several offences, including five charges of possession of a firearm and driving while disqualified.

New man: Philip, 59, is operations director of The Cranley Clinic – a cosmetic clinic in London

For example: Gillian split from fiancé David in late 2019 after six years together after their relationship became strained following a ‘series of disagreements’, reports at the time claimed

He has also been charged by the Metropolitan Police with perverting the course of justice.

Fairbairn, of Hermine Way, Arrington, appeared at Cambridge Magistrates’ Court this morning.

He was remanded in custody after the case was sent to Cambridge Crown Court following the 15-minute hearing. The case was postponed until January 6, 2021.

Gillian rose to fame on Albert Square in 1985 and stayed there until 2000, before reprising her role in 2015.

In 2006, she played the role of Mandy Searle in Jane Hall and also appeared as a recurring panelist on ITV’s Loose Women.

She won a series regular role in the police drama The Bill as Sergeant Nikki Wright in 2006 before leaving two years later.

In January 2013, Taylforth became a housemate in the eleventh series of Celebrity Big Brother. She was the fourth person to be deported after fifteen days.

Career: Gillian rose to fame on Albert Square in 1985 and remained there until 2000, before reprising her role in 2015

Kathy returned to the square fourteen years after she was thought to have died in a car accident in South Africa.

Reflecting on her return to the show, Gillian told OK! she was initially reluctant to meet the casting director, thinking it would only be a cameo role.

“I just assumed it would be something fun, like coming and offering everyone a cake or something,” she said.

‘So I asked if we could postpone the conversation until after Christmas. In the end I didn’t see him until January.’