THE estranged dad of Billie and Sam Faiers was on the brink of death after suffering a sudden heart attack, The Sun can reveal.
A source close to the family says Lee, 60, was rushed to intensive care after a cardiac arrest last Monday.
His daughters – ex TOWIE stars Billie, 32, and Sam, 31, – remain in the dark about his near-fatal illness – having cut ties with their biological father in recent years.
The insider told us: “Lee is lucky to be alive. His family were terrified and thought they were going to lose him. It's been a big wake-up call.”
Lee was on holiday with his partner Faye's family at Potters Resorts in Hopton On Sea when he felt a stabbing pain in his chest.
Doctors say his quick-thinking ‘father-in-law’ saved his life by giving him aspirin when they realised what was happening.
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Lee has since undergone major surgery on his heart and will be on medication for the rest of his life.
He's said to be recovering well, with his partner Faye by his side as he reflects on his near-death experience.
Our insider added: “Lee loves his girls. Whether they speak or not, they're still his daughters.
"You can argue about silly things, but the heart attack made him realise life is very precious and it can be taken away at any point.
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"You only get one life. Death is the most final thing there is."
Sam, 31, previously wrote about her “violent” biological father Lee who split from their mum Suzanne Wells when they were toddlers.
She says Lee's drinking and drug abuse spiralled out of control when he suffered financial difficulties, claiming he was “volatile and awful to live with”.
The reality TV star added: “We had no time for the man.”
Lee had a brief reconciliation with his daughters after he publicly appealed for a second chance in 2014.
His late mum Wendy has even starred on Billie and Sam’s Towie spin-off show The Mummy Diaries.
But they are no longer on speaking terms with their biological dad – and are unaware he almost died last week.
The family insider added: “Lee would only consider reaching out to warn them about his heart attack in case it was hereditary.
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"They're no longer on speaking terms.“
The Sun has contacted reps for the Faiers sisters.
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