EastEnders’ Dean Gaffney reveals his mother has died as he pays emotional tribute: ‘I am
Heartbroken Dean Gaffney has announced the death of his beloved mother Marian.
The former EastEnders actor, 45, took to Instagram to break the news after finding her ‘asleep’ on Monday morning.
Alongside a photo of himself and his mum, he wrote: ‘I am simply broken to share that my beautiful selfless mother Marian has sadly passed away.
‘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.
Devastating: Heartbroken Dean Gaffney has announced the death of his beloved mother Marian
Alongside a photo of himself and his mum, he wrote: ‘I am simply broken to share that my beautiful selfless mother Marian has sadly passed away’
Dean continued: ‘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.
‘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. Life really does change from one minute to the next.
He added: ‘I truly love you Mum, you don’t only hold a special place in my heart, you are my heart.
‘For anyone that knew her, I don’t need to remind you of who my mum was as a person for others that don’t, she was the most amazing selfless, caring, generous soul to ever walk the earth. Mum, I truly love you.’
Fans and friends showed their support after hearing the devastating news, with fellow EastEnders actor Max Bowden penning: ‘Love you so much mate. She was so proud of you.’
Carol 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.’
Alison Hammond added: ‘Massive condolences to you and your family ❤️❤️ I feel this with you’
Celebs Go Dating star Anna Williamson said: ‘Dean, I’m so sorry to hear this honey. Sending love & always here if you need a shoulder.’
Heartbroken: The former EastEnders actor, 45, took to Instagram to break the news after finding her ‘asleep’ on Monday morning
He added: ‘I truly love you Mum, you don’t only hold a special place in my heart, you are my heart.’
Fans and friends showed their support after hearing the devastating news, with fellow EastEnders actor Max Bowden penning: ‘Love you so much mate. She was so proud of you.’
Dean, who is most famous for playing Robbie on the BBC soap, shares twins Chloe and Charlotte, with ex partner Sarah Burge.
The pair met when they were just 15-years-old and dated for 22 years before they announced their split in June 2015, after he admitted to cheating on her with a string of women.
Dean recently revealed he felt lucky to be alive after his medical for I’m A Celebrity raised bowel cancer concerns which prompted emergency surgery.
He took part in the recent all stars version of the ITV reality show after originally competing in I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! in 2006.
He was given the boot from the series before his fellow campmate Myleene Klass went on to win the season .
The star was first considered for the covid-safe version of the show which took place during lockdown at Gwrych Castle in North Wales in 2020.
And, after undergoing medical tests for his potential appearance, doctors were concerned about what they saw as a result of tests, with Dean now considering the I’m A Celebrity tests to have saved his life.
Old flame: Dean shares Chloe and Charlotte with his ex girlfriend of 22 years Sarah Burge and split in 2015
Breakthrough role: Dean appeared as Robbie Jackson in EastEnders on and off between 1993 and 2019 (pictured in EastEnders in 1999)
He told the Mirror: ‘There is no doubt I’m A Celeb and its medical team saved my life. I might not be here today if it wasn’t for them finding what they did.’
Doctors found number of polyps in his large intestine which left him needing an emergency procedure.
‘Within hours I was in a hospital gown and under general anaesthetic and they took it out,’ explained Dean.
After he came round from his surgery, Dean claims a doctor told him: ‘Had you not come to us today, in three years that could have turned to bowel cancer. You’ve been very lucky.’