Kathy Beale is a fictional character from the British soap opera EastEnders, which first aired in 1985. She is known for her strong personality and complex relationships with other characters in the show. Kathy has been portrayed by several actresses, with the most notable being Gillian Taylforth, who first took on the role. Kathy is the mother of Ian Beale, one of the longest-running characters in EastEnders. Throughout the series, she has faced various challenges, including family struggles and romantic entanglements. Her character has evolved over the years, making her a significant figure in the show's history.