Dean Gaffney teases return of iconic 'EastEnders' character this Christmas

EastEnders star Dean Gaffney says an ‘iconic’ character will be returning to the soap this Christmas.

Gaffney, who has played Albert Square resident Robbie Jackson for 25 years, spoke about the dramatic comeback at the Inside Soap Awards on Monday night (October 22).

The actor wouldn’t reveal the identity of the returning character, but he did admit that it’s a close friend of his in real life.

“It’s Christmas in Walford. It speaks for itself! We’ve got a returnee coming back, which is exciting!” he told Digital Spy.

“For me, personally, I’m a good friend of this person – whoever they may be!”

He continued: “I think they’re iconic with EastEnders. There’s certain people that come back to a show, they might not add to it, but this person definitely adds to it!”

So who could this mystery icon be? Shane Richie is set to return to the soap as Alfie Moon, so is Gaffney hinting at a new Slater drama? Or perhaps it’s time for Phil Mitchell to make his big return, now that the secret of Sharon and Keanu’s affair has been exposed.

You wouldn’t want to be Keanu right now…

Also at the Inside Soap Awards, Gaffney revealed that the stars of the soap are fearing they will be axed under new series boss Kate Oates.

Oates has previously been in charge of Coronation Street and Emmerdale, where she gained a reputation for killing off characters.

Speaking to The Daily Mirror, Gaffney admitted it’s “squeaky bum time” for the cast.

“Of course Kate will make changes. That’s inevitable,” he said.

“I think you wouldn’t be human if you weren’t worried when your contract comes up for renewal.

“Mine doesn’t come up for a while, so I’m okay for the moment, but it’s squeaky bum time for every actor, no one is bigger than any show.”

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