EastEnders legend reveals he’s finally returning to acting for first time in four years
EASTENDERS legend Dean Gaffney is finally returning to acting for the first time in four years.
The soap icon will take to the stage in a new panto show – kicking off in April.
Dean, 44, shared his exciting news in a post on Instagram and also revealed he is starring in the panto with a huge pop star.
The actor, known to millions for playing Robbie Jackson on EastEnders, filmed rehearsals and his co-stars practising their vocals.
He panned the camera around the theatre and it landed on Kerry Katona last.
He captioned his video: “Panto at Easter, who’d of though it!”
Dean shot to fame as lovable Robbie on EastEnders in 1993 before leaving in 2003.
He made a brief soap comeback in 2017 but hasn’t been on screen for years.
He’s now set to play the prince in the stage production of Rapunzel alongside Kerry as Mother Gothel and former Strictly Come Dancing pro Joanne Clifton as the lead, Rapunzel.
Earlier this year Dean revealed he had become a grandfather for the second time.
The TV star posted a sweet photo of the adorable baby girl after one of his twin daughters, Chloe, 25, gave birth.
Dean penned alongside the photo of the sleeping tot: “Grandchild number 2!
“Welcome to the world baby Penelope.
“Born: 23-01-23/ 6 pound 10oz. So nice for Mimi to have a sister.”
Dean shared a snap of the newborn as she lay tucked up in the warm under a white blanket.
His celebrity pals raced to congratulate the star on the new addition to his family, with Towie’s Liam Gatsby writing: “You don’t look old enough to be a grandad u little sort.”
His former co-star Natalie Cassidy simply gushed: “Beautiful,” with a heart emoji.
While Coronation Street star Andy Whyment posted: “Congratulations mate.”
Chloe works as a PR for popular clothing brand Pretty Little Thing.
Charlotte and Chloe’s mum is Sarah Burge, who Dean met when he was just 15.
They dated for 22 years, but split in June 2015.