Perpetually down-on-his-luck character Robbie Jackson is returning to EastEnders, having left in 2003 after 10 years in Albert Square
Dean Gaffney is returning to EastEnders in the role of Robbie Jackson after several years away from the soap.
The actor has said he feels 'so lucky' to be reprising his role as the Walford regular after previously starring in the BBC series from 1993 until 2003.
Dean was last seen in EastEnders in 2015, following a few brief appearances in the years following his official departure.
Of his return, Dean said: “I’m really happy to be back. I’m so lucky to be given the chance to work again with such a talented group of people.”
He said it will be a 'lot of fun' and thanked the soap’s executive producer Sean O’Connor for bringing him back.
Sean said: “I’m thrilled to welcome back Dean as Robbie Jackson, one of EastEnders’ most loved and most popular characters.
“Bridge Street Market has never quite been the same without Robbie policing it in his high-vis jacket. Dean brings a wonderful warmth and fun to his portrayal of Robbie and I’m sure that audiences will take him to their hearts again, just as they have always done.”
Robbie was a troublesome teen when he first arrived in Albert Square with the Jackson family over 20 years ago, although he went on to become a fan favourite.
After a decade as one of the soap’s most familiar faces, Robbie left to move to India with his girlfriend Nita (Bindya Solanki) although he later moved to Milton Keynes.
In 2010, he returned briefly for the wedding of Bianca Jackson (Patsy Palmer) and Ricky Butcher (Sid Owen), during which time he revealed that Nita was pregnant.
At the time, he was also devastated to learn that his trusty sidekick, pet dog Wellard, had died a few years before.
Dean is set to appear in EastEnders in the coming weeks, although details of his comeback storyline are currently unknown.
