The beloved BBC EastEnders star who played 3 parts in classic Monty Python film

Monty Python's Life of Brian is arguably one of the most recognisable and quoted comedy films around the world. Known for its quirky daftness and timelessly funny jokes, the 1979 film is nothing short of legendary. Starring all members of the famous comedy troupe - Graham Chapman, John Cleese, Terry Gilliam, Eric Idle, Terry Jones, and Michael Palin - there is also an EastEnders icon who played three different roles. Despite only joining the BBC soap in 2021, some eagle-eyed fans might recognise the actress who played Violet Highway, who was the grandmother of Callum (Tony Clay) and Stuart Highway (Ricky Champ).

Gwen Taylor didn't appear not once, not twice, but three times in Monty Python's Life of Brian. The 86-year-old has a long-acting career dating back decades, and Monty Python was to be her first-ever acting credit in a feature-length film.

In the comedy, she plays Mrs. Big Nose, a Woman with a sick donkey and a Young Girl. Her first role was a relatively big part in the film, as she acted alongside Michael Palin, who played Mr. Big Nose, during a three-minute scene.

The film follows the story of a boy named Brian, who is born a few stables down from Jesus Christ and accidentally attracts a religious cult. Despite all nonbelievers, the Monty Python team insisted that they are not ridiculing the moral teachings of Jesus Christ.

Following the movie's release in the summer of 1979, Christians worldwide turned out to protest at screenings. Countries such as Norway and Ireland completely banned the film outright.

In the USA, the President of the Rabbinical Alliance of America, told Variety Magazine at the time: "Never have we come across such a foul, disgusting, blasphemous film before."

In the UK, opposition wasn't as intense, but some local councils banned it. This measure meant that others flocked to the nearest city where it was showing.

Four of Monty Python's six core members are still alive, following the deaths of Graham Chapman and Terry Jones. The group officially disbanded in 2014 with a series of farewell shows across the UK.