Gillian Taylforth dating one of the UK's biggest convicted drug baron - The Sun

Celebrity Big Brother contestant Gillian Taylforth is dating a convicted drug baron.

The ex-EastEnders actress, 56, has reportedly been in a relationship with former stockbroker Dave Fairbairn for six months.

Their relationship comes just two years after Fairbairn was jailed for importing one of the biggest ecstasy hauls ever seized in the UK.

He was sentenced to 15 years in prison in 2003 after being found guilty of plotting to import and supply Class A drugs at Bristol Crown Court.

But Fairbairn served just seven years of his sentence and was released in 2010.

At the time, it was the biggest drugs raid in history after police uncovered 839,500 ecstasy tablets worth an estimated £7.5million.

Fairbairn was previously based in Oxfordshire before relocating to Surrey after his release,

He then met actress Gillian a couple of years later. The couple reportedly spent Christmas together at Gillian's home where she lives with her two children.

A source close to Gillian told The Sunday People: "She is in love with Dave and she knows everything about his past.

"He is a changed man and she is extremely happy with him.

"Gillian really hopes that this relationship works out. She thinks it's about time she had some luck with men."

Gillian's new man showed up at Elstree Studios on Thursday night to watch as she entered the Celebrity Big Brother house.

The blonde star split from fiancé Geoff Knights three-and-a-half years ago after a tempestuous long-term relationship which lasted for over 20 years.

As Kathy Beale, she was married to one of EastEnders most notorious characters, Pete Beale.