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DREAMY DEAN

Dean Gaffney in talks for Celebs Go Dating after leaving EastEnders

EASTENDERS legend Dean Gaffney is in advanced talks to star on Celebs Go Dating after leaving the soap.

Bosses for the E4 show have offered a big money deal to secure the 41-year-old actor, who first shot to fame playing Robbie Jackson in the BBC One soap.

 Dean is in talks to appear on Celebs Go Dating
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Dean is in talks to appear on Celebs Go DatingCredit: PA:Press Association

Dean is said to be nervous about signing up to the dating show but wants to give fans the opportunity to see the real him after playing the down-on-his-luck character on and off for almost 30 years.

A source told The Sun Online: "Dean has been in the limelight as Robbie for decades, but now he wants to show everybody the real him.

"He's nervous about it but Celebs Go Dating would also give him the opportunity to find true love and someone who really cares about him after leaving EastEnders again earlier this year.

Dean has spoken to his daughters and they have given him the green light - the last thing he wants to do is embarrass them but they have told him to go for it and want him to find happiness again.

"Bosses also know that he will be TV gold - it's thought this could be the biggest pay cheque that Celebs Go Dating have ever dished out to get him to sign on the dotted line."

 Dean left EastEnders again earlier this year
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Dean left EastEnders again earlier this yearCredit: BBC

Dean was a teenager when he landed the role of Carol Jackson's son in 1993, and he remained in the role for 10 years before he made his first exit.

Ever since, the star has reprised his role several times for brief stints in Walford, most recently returning as the square's market inspector and having a relationship with Donna.

Now the father-of-two hopes to find love on the popular dating show, with the insider adding: "Dean is hoping that with some guidance from the love gurus he will be able to find someone very special."

 He has played Robbie on and off for almost 30 years
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He has played Robbie on and off for almost 30 yearsCredit: BBC
Bizarre celebrates Dean Gaffney who is returning to EastEnders

The news comes after This Morning's Alison Hammond was linked to the upcoming series of the show - two years after she split from ex-boyfriend Jamie Savage.

The Sun Online previously revealed that Mel B has also been snapped up, alongside Love Island's Amy Hart, and Hollyoaks' Malique Thompson-Dwyer.

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