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Former soap star Paul Nicholls is lucky to be alive after breaking his leg at a remote waterfall in Thailand.

The injury meant the former EastEnders actor - one of the biggest soap stars of the 1990s - was left trapped and without food for three days.

The actor, 38, had been exploring the Khun Si Falls on the island of Koh Samui when the accident occurred, leaving him in need of complete knee reconstruction.

It is understood the actor, who played Joe Wicks in the BBC soap, was trying to take a selfie when he fell from the top of the waterfall.

His phone fell into the water so he wasn't able to phone for help.

(Image: Publicity Picture)

He told The Sun newspaper: "I'm lucky to be alive. It took such a long time to find me. It's an understatement to say it wasn't a great situation."

He was rushed to hospital after being discovered semi-conscious behind a rock pool days later.

It is reported he was suffering from hypothermia as well as a tropical infection picked up from his untreated wounds.

A video of the rescue shows Paul crying out in pain before emergency services stretcher him to safety.

The hospital costs are reported to be more than £90,000, but there are plans to see if he can be flown back to the UK.

