CLACTON panto star Dean Gaffney was rushed to hospital following a serious car crash.

The 34-year-old former EastEnders actor is believed underwent surgery on his skull following a collision in Derby on Wednesday.

He has recently finished a successful stint playing Buttons in Cinderella at Clacton’s Princes Theatre.

He was driving home after performing in the Agatha Christie thriller A Murder Is Announced at Derby Theatre.

A spokesman for Derbyshire Police said: “There was just one car involved that hit the central reservation.

“He was taken to Royal Derby Hospital where he received treatment for head injuries, but those injuries aren't thought to be life-threatening.”