Gillian's lover and the hit hotel worker

11 April 2012
The Weekender

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The hotel receptionist who has accused the lover of TV star Gillian Taylforth of hitting her in the face has spoken for the first time in a Barbados court about the alleged attack.

Cyanda Phillips, 25, faced Geoff Knights in a Carribean island court room after the incident at the weekend, which took place at the luxury Tamarind Cove Hotel.

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Sunnier times: Gillian Taylforth with partner Geoff Knights before the accusations at Tamarind Cove Hotel where he is accused of hitting hotel receptionist, Cyanda Phillips, in the face

Sunnier times: Gillian Taylforth with partner Geoff Knights before the accusations at Tamarind Cove Hotel where he is accused of hitting hotel receptionist, Cyanda Phillips, in the face

She claims that the fiancé of the former Eastenders star hit her in the face and threw a phone at her.

Knights denies the charges.

He was there with Taylforth, 51 - who has also starred in The Bill and Footballers' Wives - and children Harrison, seven, and Jessica, 15.

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Cyanda Phillips has spoken for the first time in a Barbados court about the alleged attack by Mr Knights

Cyanda Phillips has spoken for the first time in a Barbados court about the alleged attack by Mr Knights

Ms Phillips told Holetown JPs the row broke out after Harrison was banned from using computers as he is too young.

According to reports, fellow guests wrestled Knights to the floor where he was held by hotel security until police arrived.

Since his arrest, Knights has been on bail.

When the incident happened, Taylforth reportedly said: "I'm just trying to have a holiday with my kids. I wasn't there when it happened. I was by the pool with the children. It's ruined my holiday."

She added: "The claim she was assaulted is absolute rubbish."

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Accused: Mr Knights arrives at court in Barbados facing charges of assault

Accused: Mr Knights arrives at court in Barbados facing charges of assault

Knights could face jail if found guilty, but was more likely to be fined and deported.

Knights and Taylforth have been in the headlines many times over the years because of their sometimes stormy relationship.

The loss of a 1994 court case, after it was claimed she performed a sex act on

Knights in a Range Rover parked in a lay-by, left them facing a legal bill of around £500,000.

The case continues.

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