Gillian was born in Chorley and was a pupil at Gillies Mar-Jan Stage School from the age of 3. From there she went on to study at the Italia Conti Stage School in London. Later in her career Gillian returned to Chorley and began teaching at the Mar-Jan Stage School, for the principal and founder Margaret Jones. She continued to teach and be involved in the school opening her own school in Adlington in 1994. Then in 1995 she took over the Chorley school after Margaret Jones retired from teaching, this was the start of Gillies Mar-Jan Stage School. Pupils study for exams with the British Theatre dance Association, and also put on a bi-annual show in aid of charity.
