Dean Gaffney makes EastEnders return as Robbie Jackson leaving soap fans over the moon

EASTENDERS fans could not contain their excitement as Dean Gaffney finally made his glorious return to the soap as Robbie Jackson tonight.

It's been 13 years since Dean's character left Albert Square for good, but now Sonia's brother is back and viewers were absolutely buzzing about it.

Robbie has certainly worked his way up from being a humble road sweeper and fans were quite surprised by his new role.

He is now working as a market inspector who's helping the Walford residents sell to the best of their abilities.

One viewer tweeted: "What on earth is happening in #EastEnders ? Will Dot survive? Has Robbie been off on a management course? Most importantly where's Wellard?"

Sporting a suit and a neat haircut, Dean's new look could not disguise the cheeky chappy of old hiding beneath.

Twitter was awash with celebratory messages as the actor showed up on screen for the first time since his one-off appearance in 2015.

The only thing that could have made viewers happier was the presence of Robbie's dog Wellard, though many fans had forgotten that the mutt died in 2008.

However, despite general praise for Dean, some viewers were slightly surprised by all this.

How Robbie will fit into the dynamic of the Square once again remains to be seen, but his yuppie job is sure to surprise some of his old neighbours and pals just as much as it surprised fans.

Meanwhile Robbie's old mentor Dot Branning was seen collapsing at the end of the latest episode, leaving fans very worried about her future.

Got a story? email digishowbiz@the-sun.co.uk or call us direct on 02077824220