Roberta Taylor reveals what it’s like working with husband Peter Guinness in heartwarming video prior to her tragic death

Roberta Taylor reveals what it's like working with husband Peter Guinness in heartwarming video prior to her tragic death

I was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Roberta Taylor, a remarkable actress who left an indelible mark on British television with her iconic roles. Her talents were not limited to the small screen, however; Roberta’s journey in the world of performing arts began long before her days as a beloved character on The Bill or EastEnders.


As an obsessed fan, I couldn’t help but feel a surge of emotions when I stumbled upon a previously unreleased video featuring the late, brilliant Roberta Taylor. In her own words, she shared intimate stories about collaborating with her beloved husband, Peter Guinness. Her warmth and passion for their partnership shone through every word, leaving me feeling even more connected to their unforgettable on-screen chemistry.

Roberta, who sadly passed away on July 6 at the age of 76, gained significant recognition for portraying Irene Raymond on EastEnders from 1997 to 2000. Subsequently, she joined The Bill’s cast as Inspector Gina Gold.

Based on Roberta’s obituary in The Guardian, she passed away from an infection resulted from a fall two months earlier, which complicated her pre-existing health conditions including pneumonia.

In 1996, the actress exchanged vows with her second spouse and actor Peter Guinness, aged 74, who is renowned for his parts in Jack Ryan, Merlin, Official Secrets, and Alien 3. The couple resided together in Vauxhall, London.

The pair’s interconnected professional histories led them to collaborate on certain ventures, such as “The Bill” and a production of “Hamlet” at Glasgow’s Citizens Theatre, which dated back nine years. In this rendition, they portrayed Gertrude and Claudius respectively.

Roberta Taylor reveals what it's like working with husband Peter Guinness in heartwarming video prior to her tragic death
Roberta Taylor reveals what it's like working with husband Peter Guinness in heartwarming video prior to her tragic death

Currently, an interview conducted together during their performance is being shared again by fans as they honor Roberta.

The deceased actress is survived by her son Elliott, whom she shared with her ex-husband, as well as a granddaughter and two step-siblings.

In the video, the married couple were questioned about their experience working as a team, specifically as a husband and wife.

Roberta shared that they enjoyed working together in their profession, but they remained aware of their colleagues and didn’t want to stand out excessively. So, they acted considerately to avoid appearing as an overly distinct group.

Interviewer’s comment: “You two collaborate in theater occasionally but not as a rule, just like some couples do.”

Roberta chuckled and confessed, “We really enjoy each other’s company. It might be more challenging for other actors to create that dynamic, perhaps a close-knit group joining the production.”

At home, we generally don’t collaborate on tasks unless it involves reading scripts aloud. In such cases, I might ask, “Were the players present there? What am I looking for?”

She clarified, “We’ll focus on the storyline rather than actions during our discussion. I believe delving into specific actions is best saved for your personal preparation and group rehearsals.”

Roberta Taylor reveals what it's like working with husband Peter Guinness in heartwarming video prior to her tragic death
Roberta Taylor reveals what it's like working with husband Peter Guinness in heartwarming video prior to her tragic death
Roberta Taylor reveals what it's like working with husband Peter Guinness in heartwarming video prior to her tragic death

In the rehearsal room, we strive to avoid appearing as a uniform entity other than the King and Queen.

Upon learning of Roberta Taylor’s tragic passing, an EastEnders representative expressed their profound sadness: “We are deeply dismayed to hear this unfortunate news.”

‘Roberta made an impact on screen from the moment she arrived in Albert Square, as Irene Raymond. 

I’m absolutely heartbroken to share that Roberta, who brought so much joy and positivity to our workplace, will be deeply missed by all of us who had the privilege of working with her. My deepest condolences go out to her loved ones during this difficult time. We’ll keep them in our thoughts as we remember the precious moments we shared with Roberta.

Her last TV appearance came on the BBC private investigators comedy Shakespeare & Hathaway. 

In 1997, she started appearing on EastEnders, joining the cast as the matriarch of the Hills family who came to visit her children, Sarah (played by Daniela Denby-Ashe) and Tony (Mark Homer), in Walford.

For three years straight, on the soap opera, Roberta played the role of Irene. In this time, she had a succession of romantic entanglements. Among these were Terry Raymond, portrayed by Gavin Richards, and her lodger Troy Harvey, acted by Jamie Jarvis. They also shared a passionate involvement.

Roberta Taylor reveals what it's like working with husband Peter Guinness in heartwarming video prior to her tragic death
Roberta Taylor reveals what it's like working with husband Peter Guinness in heartwarming video prior to her tragic death

After spending three years on EastEnders, Roberta felt it was time to move on. She shared with The Mirror her thoughts: “I kept asking myself, ‘When will I have the chance to memorize my lines at a more leisurely pace?’ I had dedicated a significant portion of my life to the show, and if I continued at this hectic rate, I would need to keep postponing other aspects of my life.”

Instead of rushing through tasks haphazardly, I preferred to put in my best effort and take things seriously… Working with Irene’s character and Gavin, who portrayed my on-screen spouse Terry, brought us great joy and we clicked wonderfully.

Irene was a woman with many layers. Her actions kept me guessing, much like real life. We put effort into developing our unique personalities, which some perceived as humorous, but in truth, held a fair share of irony.

Roberta also had roles in dramas such as Silent Witness, Inspector Morse and Doctors.

The passing of Roberta Taylor brought forth an outpouring of heartfelt tributes from her devoted fans. On social media platforms like X, messages read: ‘Roberta was truly amazing in EastEnders and The Bill. Our thoughts are with her family as we say our goodbyes.’

Roberta Taylor reveals what it's like working with husband Peter Guinness in heartwarming video prior to her tragic death
Roberta Taylor reveals what it's like working with husband Peter Guinness in heartwarming video prior to her tragic death
Roberta Taylor reveals what it's like working with husband Peter Guinness in heartwarming video prior to her tragic death
Roberta Taylor reveals what it's like working with husband Peter Guinness in heartwarming video prior to her tragic death
Roberta Taylor reveals what it's like working with husband Peter Guinness in heartwarming video prior to her tragic death
Roberta Taylor reveals what it's like working with husband Peter Guinness in heartwarming video prior to her tragic death
Roberta Taylor reveals what it's like working with husband Peter Guinness in heartwarming video prior to her tragic death
Roberta Taylor reveals what it's like working with husband Peter Guinness in heartwarming video prior to her tragic death
Roberta Taylor reveals what it's like working with husband Peter Guinness in heartwarming video prior to her tragic death

“It’s so disappointing to hear this news. I deeply appreciated The Bill, and Gina Gold’s character, skillfully portrayed by Roberta Taylor, was truly remarkable.”

‘Real ones know Roberta Taylor by Gina Gold, not from EastEnders, RIP, what an actress;’

As a devoted fan of classic television, I’ve recently revisited some older episodes of The Bill. I must admit, Roberta Taylor’s performances left me utterly captivated. It’s with a heavy heart that I learned of her passing. May she find eternal peace.

I’m deeply saddened to learn of Roberta Taylor’s passing. A talented character actress with iconic status, may she rest in peace; A beloved actress and EastEnders icon, what a loss; Such a great woman we’ve lost.

Roberta was raised on the Isle of Dogs and initially pursued a career as a dental nurse while also attending drama workshops.

She married Victor Taylor 1966, with whom she had a son Elliott.

Following her drama school graduation, Roberta appeared in several productions, such as Noel Coward’s “Private Lives,” Oscar Wilde’s “An Ideal Husband,” and Bertolt Brecht’s “Mother Courage.”

She divorced her first husband in 1975 before marrying Peter in 1996.

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2024-07-24 17:24

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