EastEnders actor Dean Gaffney has revealed he has been left heartbroken following the death of his grandmother. Taking to his Instagram page on Tuesday, the soap star penned a heartfelt message, which read: "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…" He added: "I promise you I will look after mum, love you with all my heart, RIP."
The 41-year-old's friends were quick to message, including Emmerdale actor Anthony Quinlan who wrote: "Thinking of you and family mate x." Strictly and EastEnders star Emma Barton remarked: "Thinking of you." Richard Blackwood said: "Sorry to hear that bro! Send Love to your mum for me." His former co-star Aaron Sidwell noted: "Sorry dude. Big love [red love heart emoji]." Ex-TOWIE star Dan Osborne also added a series of red love heart emojis.
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The heartbreaking news comes shortly after it was reported that Dean had been axed from EastEnders. Although the dad-of-two - who is famous for playing Robbie Jackson in the BBC soap - is yet to comment on the news, he headed to a wellbeing retreat in Spain to give himself time to reflect and take "a step in the right direction". On Instagram, Dean explained: "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.
© Photo: BBCDean Gaffney is famous for playing Robbie Jackson in EastEnders
"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. I'm not saying I ran the marathon even though at times it felt that way haha but either way I’ve give myself a pat on the back for stepping outside my comfort zone. Thanks to @roberthisee @theholisticretreat_ for giving me the tools to use my mind to achieve my future goals." [sic]
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