12 September 2023 , 16:25
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EastEnders star Dean Gaffney was shown an immense amount of love and support after he paid an emotional tribute to his mum following her tragic death.
The 45-year-old star, who played Robbie Jackson in the BBC soap, was inundated with messages on social media following his heartfelt post. Taking to Instagram, Dean posted a picture of his mum's funeral booklet, signalling she had been laid to rest and wrote: "Gone but NEVER forgotten… Sunrise: 23/12/53. Sunset: 13/08/23. I miss and love you Mum, today, tomorrow and forever. X." Dean's mum Marian passed away last month. And soon after he posted his message, former Coronation Street star Kym Marsh was one of the first to reach out to her fellow soap star.
Dean paid tribute to his mother after her funeral
He was flooded with support from his soap pals (deangaffney1/Instagram)She wrote: "Sending lots of love xxx." And EastEnders ' Richard Blackwood said: "Sending Condolences my bro." Corrie's Andy Whyment, who plays Kirk Sutherland wrote, "Sending lots of love mate x," And Helen Flanagan wasn't too far behind. She said: "Sending so much love Dean."
Dean announced his mother's death on social media last month and said he was "simply broken." His post contained two images of his late mother and in one he is seen kissing her head. In the midst of his grief he penned: "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."
He added: "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." Dean, who played the loveable Robbie Jackson on EastEnders, said the pain of losing his mother was "beyond" any that he had experienced before.
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He added: "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.I truly love you Mum, you don’t only hold a special place in my heart, you are my heart."
He continued: "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." And, at the time, his celeb pals rushed to give him words of comfort. 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."
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." And EastEnders actor Max Bowden said: "Love you so much mate. She was so proud of you." Dean is a proud father of twin girls Chloe and Charlotte, who he shares with ex partner Sarah Burge. His daughter Chloe works as a PR for clothing brand Pretty Little Thing and gave birth to her first child two years ago.