EastEnders star Gillian Taylforth’s ex only survived being shot in stomach ‘because gangster’s gun misfired’
EASTENDERS star Gillian Taylforth’s ex-fiancé says he only survived being shot in the stomach after his would-be killer’s weapon misfired.
Dave Fairbairn, 64, was gunned down as he met gangsters who had allegedly threatened to target him and burn down the soap actress’s home.
Today the dad of two had an emergency op to remove the bullet.
And as police quizzed him in hospital for the first time since Sunday’s shooting, he insisted he had only wanted to protect Gillian, also 64.
Fairbairn told a pal: “All I can remember is this bang, then lots of clicking.
“I think the trigger was being pulled again and again.
LUCKY ESCAPE
"I was lucky some people found me and called the ambulance.”
The Sun told yesterday how Fairbairn, who is on police bail over an alleged cannabis factory at his home, was shot at close range in woodland in Enfield, North London.
Sources say he had a lucky escape as the bullet missed vital organs.
One said: “He’s beginning to realise how serious this is.
"He just wanted to protect Gillian and his family from any more threats.”
Gillian — Kathy Beale in the BBC soap — was said to be in shock at the news.
The pair called off their wedding in December but have stayed close.
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