Gillian began her acting journey at a young age, initially performing at school and at the Liverpool Everyman Youth Theatre. In 1986, when she was just fourteen years old, she landed the role of Debbie McGrath, the girlfriend of Damon Grant, in the popular British soap opera Brookside. The character was initially intended to appear in only three episodes, but Debbie's popularity led to the part lasting for over a year and even spawning a spin-off mini-series titled Damon and Debbie in 1987.
Gillian's early success on Brookside allowed her to stay in school and pursue her academic goals, earning nine GCSEs and subsequently taking A-levels in English, French, History, and General Studies. During her time at school, she also appeared in various stage productions, including adaptations of Shakespeare's Othello and Richard Brinsley Sheridan's School for Scandal. This early exposure to the world of acting sparked her passion for the craft, and at the age of 20, she decided to enroll at the prestigious Rose Bruford College of Speech and Drama to further hone her skills.
Gillian's time at Rose Bruford College was marked by intense training and hard work, culminating in a first-class degree after her final exams, which were based on her performances in four productions. Her graduation coincided with the opportunity to play the role of Emily Kennedy in the TV adaptation of Catherine Cookson's novel The Tide of Life in 1996. Gillian's performance in this production was her fourth and final exam, and it ultimately earned her a first-class degree.
Since her early days in Brookside, Gillian has become a familiar face in high-quality TV dramas and is widely regarded as a versatile and talented stage performer. With her impressive range and dedication to her craft, she appears to be well-positioned for a long and successful career in the entertainment industry.
