Former EastEnders star Dean Gaffney has shared an emotional message with fans, just days after the news broke of his shock departure from the soap.
Earlier this week, we shared the news that the actor would not be returning to the BBC soap after bosses decided not to renew his contact.
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The actor played legendary character Robbie Jackson until earlier this month, when he left Walford to care for his injured son Sami.
But off-screen, bosses are alleged to have ‘quietly axed’ Dean after becoming concerned about his behaviour.
A source told the Daily Star Sunday: “Dean knows he’s made some bad decisions and he is working hard to get his life back on track.”
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They continued: “He split up from his long-term girlfriend and then he lost his job. But he knows he only has himself to blame.”
The source went on to add that the actor had always been popular with the cast, so it is a “shame” he has gone.
The source added: “After everything that’s happened, Dean realised that he had to completely change his lifestyle.”
Dean is said to have since spent time at a wellbeing retreat in Spain, to give himself time to ‘reflect’ and take ‘a step in the right direction’.
Now, in a post to his 70,900 followers on Instagram, Dean has broken his social media silence by sharing an emotional post about the death of his grandmother.
He wrote: “Normally I wouldn’t divulge information like this on social media, however we celebrate births and marriages but never talk about death. RIP nanny Nancy. I promise you I will look after mum, love you with all my heart, RIP.”
Some of his famous friends were quick to send messages of support, with Emma Barton – aka Honey Mitchell – replying: “Thinking of you.”
Former co-star Max Bowden, who plays Ben Mitchell, said: “Sorry for your loss, bro.”
And Richard Blackwood added: “Sorry to hear that bro! Send love to your mum for me.”
Emmerdale’s Anthony Quinlan said: “Thinking of you and your family mate.”
One fan said: “Hope you’re okay Dean, you’ve been treated very unfairly by the BBC.”
An EastEnders spokesperson said: “We never discuss artists’ contracts.”
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