We loved her as the put-upon Kathy in EastEnders and we still love her as the unhappy Jackie who has given her baby to her own son in Footballers' Wives. Now GILLIAN TAYLFORTH is tackling her first serious stage role in Bad Blood

Former EastEnders veteran Gillian Taylforth says she is both excited and nervous about her debut into serious stage drama. Normally associated with television, the only time the bubbly blonde has appeared on the boards was as the genie opposite Lorraine Chase's Aladdin.

When I spoke with the vivacious actor during a rehearsal break I discovered, much to the former soap star's amusement, she was having an attack of introspection.

She said: "I'm feeling a lot of nervous excitement at the moment. I keep thinking, oh my god, why am I doing this to myself?

"I find TV easier because you can stop the action if you're not happy with it and do it again. That's not the case with theatre you only get one chance.

"I don't want to let anybody down and I'm learning new things all the time, such as projecting your voice and stage directions, new territory for me."

Bad Blood, written by Richard Stockwell and also starring Gary Mavers, from Peak Practice, is a provocative edge-of-your-seat psychological rollercoaster ride of twists, turns and double-crosses where no-one is quite who they seem.

Tom and Vic appear to be the ideal couple rich, beautiful and successful 40-somethings with everything money can buy. But Vic discovers she cannot give her husband the son he longs for.

Just as cracks in their marriage begin to appear, ghosts from Tom's past set off an escalating spiral of suspicion, greed and betrayal as blood ties and life-long friendships are put to the test.

Taylforth said: "When I was sent the script I thought I would have a quick read and come back to it but once I started I couldn't put it down. I wanted to know why and who. It is a good, pacey play."

The actor has had a busy schedule, recently appearing on This is Your Life as well as starring in the glitzy second series of Footballer's Wives.

She was taken aback by some of the storylines in the drama about the lives of top footballers but says we should not take it too seriously.

"I loved doing it, it was a great laugh and I love my character Jackie she doesn't care what she says. It's a kind of English version of Dynasty or Dallas which escapes from the doom and gloom of January into the sunshine and glamorous lives of rich people with fast cars.

"I have read that another series has been commissioned. I haven't heard anything yet but it would be nice to do another one."

EastEnders fans hoping for a return of Taylforth's character Kathy may be disappointed though.

The actress, who decided to leave the soap after 13 years, says she has no plans to go back again, even though the producers of the BBC show have left the Albert Square door open for her return.

"I would never say never and if there was a really good storyline I would go back but I have no immediate plans."

So what does the future hold for the stage's newest star?

She said: "I would love to do a crime drama, something like Prime Suspect. You never know, someone might read this and give me a part!"

In the meantime, Leisuretime readers can catch Taylforth in an adults-only swirling psychological drama of sexual tension and jealous passion when she appears on our doorsteps at The Churchill.

Catch Gillian in Bad Blood, Churchill Theatre, High Street, Bromley, February 10 to 15, 7.45pm/2.30pm, £21/£11, 020 8460 6677

January 30, 2003 13:00