EastEnders' star Dean Gaffney reveals sad family loss in emotional Instagram post

Dean Gaffney
(Image credit: Jeff Spicer)

On Tuesday, EastEnders actor Dean Gaffney revealed that he is mourning the loss of his grandmother.

The actor shared the sad news via his Instagram account, sharing a photograph of his late grandmother and writing, ‘Normally I wouldn’t divulge information like this on social media, however we celebrate births and marriages but never talk about death.’

He ended with a touching tribute, saying, ‘RIP nanny Nancy.. I promise you I will look after mum, love you with all my heart, RIP ❤❤❤’

A photo posted by on

Many were quick to comment on Dean Gaffney’s update, to offer words of comfort and support to the star. His honest post received over 200 comments and an outpouring of love from both friends and fans.

Fellow EastEnders star and Strictly contestant Emma Barton said, ‘Thinking of you ❤’

Emmerdale actor Anthony Quinlan added, ‘Thinking of you and family mate x’

Read more: Coronation Street star Hayley Tamaddon gives birth to baby boy after being told she couldn’t have children

Actor and comedian Richard Blackwood also offered support, saying, ‘Sorry to hear that bro! Send Love to your mum for me.’

This sad news follows confirmation that Dean Gaffney was recently axed from the popular soap, where he played Robbie Jackson. He was last seen on our screens last month, where his character was shown heading to India to visit his son Sami.

This story line was written in following news his contract would not be renewed.

After his EastEnders departure, Dean Gaffney headed to Spain on a wellness retreat to take ‘a step in the right direction’. He has not yet commented on the news surrounding his exit from the soap.

A photo posted by on

Writing on Instagram, he explained to fans, ‘I have always talked about doing something like this but never actually committed to it, however sitting here on top of a mountain for the first time in my life I feel quite proud of myself.’

He added, ‘I’m not that guy who goes to the gym all the time so I had to find another way of giving myself a goal and this retreat was what I like to call ‘a step in the right direction’ My health is important I need to always be aware of that, not just physically but mentally.’

Our thoughts are with Dean and the rest of his family.

Lucy Buglass
Digital Writer

Lucy Buglass is a Digital Writer for What's on TV, Goodto.com, and Woman&Home. After finishing her degree in Film Studies at Oxford Brookes University she moved to London to begin her career. She's passionate about entertainment and spends most of her free time watching Netflix series, BBC dramas, or going to the cinema to catch the latest film releases.