'Eastenders' star Dean Gaffney becomes a grandad at the age of 43

Ex EastEnders star Dean Gaffney has announced the arrival of his first grandchild at the age of 43.

The star, who is best known for playing Robbie Jackson from 1993 to 2003, shared on Instagram that his daughter Chloe, 23, had given birth to a baby girl.

In a black-and-white photo, Gaffney is seen cradling the little girl while he looks down lovingly at her, while in a second she is asleep in a hospital crib.

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Next to it, he wrote: “‘Welcome to this crazy world, my beautiful granddaughter Mimi,’ the soap star wrote.

“I am very happy to announce I am a GRANDAD.

“I can’t believe my baby is now a mother, proud is an understatement.

“Chloe and Declan you’re going to be amazing parents. X

“Baby Mimi, born: 07.07.2021.. 7 pound 14oz.”

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He then joked: “Just to thank everyone in advance, I know I don’t look old enough to be a father let alone a grandfather!”

As well as the photos of his new addition to his family, Gaffney also shared pics of his daughter Chloe and her other half, Declan.

Gaffney has two daughters, with Chloe twins with her sister, Charlotte.

The arrival came just days before their 24th birthday.

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EastEnders castmates were quick to share their celebrations with the new granddad, with Danny Dyer, who plays Mick Carter and became a granddad himself in January, telling him: “You’re gonna love it son.”

Aaron Sidwell, who appeared on the soap as Steven Beale, added: “Gaffers the Grandad! Unreal mate. So happy for you and your family. X”

Steps star Lee Latchford-Evans also said: “Aww congrats mate. Grandad Gaffney”

While Gaffney’s long-time stint on Eastenders ended in 2003, the character of Robbie has returned on more than one occasion for short stints to catch up with the family.

Most recently, he was seen briefly in 2019, when he arrived back in Walford alongside son Sami, following his divorce from Nita.

It later transpired that he had deliberately been ignoring his ex-wife’s calls in a bid to keep his son.

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However, Nita then showed up in Walford to get her son, and soon after returning home was in an accident with him.

Robbie was last seen leaving Albert Square in order to be with them both.

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