It appears Dean Gaffney had a lucky escape after a car crash in Derby on Wednesday evening (January 30, 2013). The 34-year-old was returning home after starring in a stage production of A Murder Is Announced when his car struck the central reservation on the A38 at about 22.45 GMT, according to BBC News.

Despite early Twitter speculation, Gaffney's injuries are not thought to be life-threatening and he is recovering at the Royal Derby Hospital. The former Eastenders actor is starring in the Agatha Christie murder-mystery at Derby Theatre. Venue manager Gary Johnson said, "We are just really sad to announce we understand there was a car accident that happened last night which Dean Gaffney was involved in. After the performance had finished yesterday evening on his way home we understand the accident happened." A spokeswoman 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."

Gaffney has been fighting to resurrect his career since leaving Eastenders, making appearances on various reality television shows such as I'm A Celebrity, Get Me Out Of Here. He poked fun at his lack of employability in an episode of Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant's Extras.

Watch Dean Gaffney poking fun at himself in a Smirnoff Ice commercial: