Just can't sleep at Knights

AFTER years of dishing it out, TV star Gillian Taylforth's brutal ex Geoff Knights is now getting a pounding himself-in the wallet.

The one-time millionaire businessman is said to be PENNILESS and begging pals to stay at their houses after a string of his companies hit the wall.

A source close to the couple said: "Even before the recession Geoff was in trouble. He's had a whole bunch of enterprises but one by one they all folded.

"He's virtually broke-so skint he's having to doss down with mates. He's even thinking of applying for a council house and claiming benefits."

Flop

The news comes just a week after we revealed thuggish Knights had been dumped by former EastEnders favourite Gillian when she finally grew tired of his violent outbursts.

We told how he had to move out of their plush mansion in Broxbourne, Hertfordshire, where Gillian is now living with their children Jessica, 17, and ten-year-old Harrison.

Just a day later an application was made for one of his flop firms to be struck off the official companies register.

And now we can reveal how-despite being regularly knocked about by 54-year-old Knights-Gillian, 53, has been supporting him financially as his business projects foundered.

Our source added: "She's subsidised Geoff's lifestyle for years.

"He's a 'big time Charlie' and for him it's all about flashing the cash and making out he's dripping in wealth. But the reality is he's completely broke."

And now Gillian is facing a financial nightmare of her own as she bravely squares up to life as a single mum following the break-up of her 23-year relationship.

Since quitting The Bill last year her only significant payday has been £30,000 for appearing on Strictly Come Dancing.

Before her two years as Nikki Wright in ITV's police soap Gillian enjoyed five years as Jackie Pascoe-Webb in Footballers' Wives.

But she is best known as Kathy Beale in Albert Square where she spent 15 years.

Our source said: "Gillian's been lucky in that she's had steady earnings for years.

"But her finances could be hit hard if she's got to support Geoff as well as look after herself and the two kids."

According to records filed at Companies House Knights holds just one current live directorship.

That is with the company listed to be struck off this year, MG Digital Communications of Waltham Abbey, Essex.

Knights is described as a telecoms salesman at the firm but also appears as a director and the company's only shareholder.

It's just the latest in a series of failed directorships. Telcalls Europe was set up in 2007 but is now described as in "pre-dissolution".

Previously Knights was a director and sales consultant at Spaworld UK. It was dissolved in 2002.

A year earlier Twentyfirst Leisure, where he was marketing director, went the same way. In 2000 he was appointed a director of software company Grays Solutions.

By 2004 it had gone bust with a pre-tax loss of £48,000.

Knights was also director at Commercial Consultancy Ltd which folded in 1992.

In that same year Professional Office Service-with Knioghts as director-sprung up then appeared to fold without posting any company accounts.

Similarly the London Service Centre Limited was started up in 1995 but failed to do any business.

Our source added: "Geoff's had so many business interests over the years but no one knows what he actually does.

"It's been suggested he's also had a number of investment firms that were tied up in American property developments that have also gone bust.

"It now looks like his chickens are all coming home to roost and Gillian isn't going to bail him out any longer."

The couple are going through the courts to formalise access arrangements for the children.

But Gillian's family are delighted at her split with the man they have branded "a monster."

Our source insisted: "She's well shot of him."

Knights repeatedly beat Gillian throughout their relationship.

He even assaulted her in front of their terrified son after going out to a restaurant to celebrate their 20th anniversary three years ago.

He punched her so hard in the face that she was sent flying over a sofa and smashed her skull on a table, needing three stitches.

He was arrested but released with a caution because Gillian wouldn't press charges.

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