Dean Gaffney: where is Robbie Jackson from EastEnders now?

He joined the show in 1993

eastenders dean gaffney robbie jackson

by Brooke Pollock |
Updated on

OG EastEnders fans may know that Dean Gaffney joined the show in 1993 as Robbie Jackson.

The loveable character arrived with the rest of the Jackson family and they became staples in Walford.

Robbie was quite unlucky in life during the majority of his time on our screens - he often got in trouble for his antics, he had failed flings with numerous women and he struggled to find a stable job.

eastenders dean gaffney wellard
dean and wellard ©BBC

So, here's a little recap on Robbie and what the soap star is doing now...

What happened to Robbie Jackson on EastEnders?

Oh Robbie. He didn't have the best luck with love did he?

He had a fling with Sarah Hills (Daniela Denby-Ashe), he got engaged to Kerry Skinner (Gemma McCluskie) but she cheated on him and then he started a long term relationship with Nita Mistry (Bindya Solanki). Robbie and Nita left Walford in 2003 after she revealed she wanted to go back to India.

Fast forward seven years (to 2010) and Robbie briefly returned for Bianca Jackson and Ricky Butcher's wedding. At the wedding he revealed that Nita was pregnant with their son Sami (Shiven Shankar).

eastenders dean gaffney sonia fowler
sonia and dean together ©BBC

He returned to Walford again in 2017 after splitting from Nita, bagged himself a job as the market inspector and he dated Donna Yates.

And how could we forget his adorable relationship with his adopted dog Wellard.

Why did Dean Gaffney leave EastEnders?

After his latest stint between 2017 and 2019, Dean was apparently axed from the show because of his dating life.

dean gaffney katie price
dean out with katie price ©Dave Benett/Getty Images

The soap star told The Sun, "I think EastEnders just thought enough is enough — and I don’t blame them.

"They said to me, ‘You are either really bad at picking women or you need to sort it out. You need to go off and find out why you are doing these things."

Is Dean Gaffney returning to EastEnders?

EastEnders bosses have brought back characters who have died - Dirty Den, Roxy Mitchell and Cindy Beale all spring to mind - so Robbie Jackson definitely has a chance of returning.

What is Dean Gaffney doing now?

He most recently starred in I'm A Celebrity... South Africa - the all-stars version of I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!.

dean gaffney liv bentley joshua ritchie
dean alongside his celebs go dating co-stars liv bentley and joshua ritchie ©David M. Benett/Dave Benett/Getty Images

Who is Dean Gaffney's partner?

At this moment, he is currently single. However, he was rumoured to be dating a model last year.

What has Dean Gaffney starred in?

Aside from EastEnders, he has also been in a few episodes of The Bill and an episode of Extras. He's also appeared on Loose Women, Celebs Go Dating and Celebrity Juice.

How old is Dean Gaffney?

He’s 45 years old. His birthday is 14 February 1978.

Does Dean Gaffney have Instagram?

Yes, he does. His username is @deangaffney1.

WATCH: Ferne McCann spills the tea on her new boyfriend Lorri | My First Times

Just so you know, we may receive a commission or other compensation from the links on this website - read why you should trust us