Dean Gaffney announces death of mother and says he is ‘simply broken’

The EastEnders actor revealed that he was the person who found his mother ‘asleep’.
Dean Gaffney (Ian West/PA)
PA Archive
Hannah Roberts14 August 2023
The Weekender

Sign up to our free weekly newsletter for exclusive competitions, offers and theatre ticket deals

I would like to be emailed about offers, event and updates from Evening Standard. Read our privacy notice.

Actor Dean Gaffney has announced the death of his “beautiful, selfless mother” Marian.

When he shared the news, Gaffney, 45 – who was known for playing Robbie Jackson in soap EastEnders, said that he was “simply broken”.

The actor wrote about his mother’s death in an Instagram post and said: “I was, am and always will be a mummy’s boy so this news has completely floored me.

“I spoke to her every day and in some ways I’m glad I’m the one that found her asleep.

“I will retain all the amazing memories that we shared and whilst I understand the circle of life means everyone will feel this pain at some point in their lives, life can be very cruel at times, 69 is no age.

“To know I will never be able to physically see or speak to her ever again is beyond any pain I’ve ever experienced in my life.

“We all tell our parents and loved ones we love them flippantly at the end of a phone call but please tell them you actually really love them… put down that phone when you’re with them, as my mums only criticism of me was that I would be on my phone when in her company.”

The actor described his mother as “the most amazing selfless, caring, generous soul to ever walk the Earth”.

Celebrities, including former Countdown star Carol Vorderman, offered their condolences.

Vorderman said: “Oh Dean. I’m so very sorry to hear your news…..you loved her so much and she would have been so proud of you. Sending love as ever.”

TV presenter Alison Hammond commented: “Massive condolences to you and your family. I feel this with you.”

Fellow EastEnders cast members also sent their love.

Danniella Westbrook, who used to play Sam Mitchell, said: “Darling I am so so so sorry to hear this she was one stunning and genuine woman. Love you gaff.”

Patsy Palmer, who was known for playing Bianca Jackson, said: “Dean I’m so sorry for you loss.

“She must’ve been very proud of you. Sending love and hugs to you all.”

Gaffney first appeared in EastEnders in 1993 and left the show 10 years later.

His character made an official return to Albert Square in 2017, before he exited the show in 2019.

Create a FREE account to continue reading

eros

Registration is a free and easy way to support our journalism.

Join our community where you can: comment on stories; sign up to newsletters; enter competitions and access content on our app.

Your email address

Must be at least 6 characters, include an upper and lower case character and a number

You must be at least 18 years old to create an account

* Required fields

Already have an account? SIGN IN

By clicking Create Account you confirm that your data has been entered correctly and you have read and agree to our Terms of use , Cookie policy and Privacy policy .

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged in