EastEnders legend Dean Gaffney reveals horrific moment he found his mum dead at home in emotional tribute
DEAN Gaffney said finding his beloved mum dead in her home will "haunt him forever".
The EastEnders actor had gone to her house to pick her up for a Sunday roast only to discover her unresponsive.
Dean, 46, said it was the "worst thing that has happened to him" and how it made him realise how fragile life can be.
Sharing a photo of his mum, Marian, he told fans that he was "not one to share grief on social media", but had decided to make an exception.
"So, a year ago today, the worst thing happened to me. Whilst it’s the one inevitable thing in life losing a parent, when it happens, oh wow.
"Nothing prepared me for going to pick my mum up for a routine Sunday roast and finding her passed away. What I saw shall remain private, but it will haunt me forever.
read more on dean gaffney
"Sudden heart attacks are a thing. One day you can be here, the next gone, literally simple as that.
"I am not one to share my grief on social media. However, I just wanted to say it’s been a tough year for me and maybe I’ve done things uncharacteristically. Grief hits in many ways.
"Mum, the legacy you have left behind is what gets me out of bed every day. You touched peoples hearts and you were selfless to the end.
"We will raise a glass to you today. I love and miss you today, tomorrow and forever."
Most read in TV
He was inundated with supportive and loving comments from fans, with one writing: "Oh Dean sending so much love to you my friend".
"Love you brother! I thank your momma for bringing a good soul like you in to the world," wrote a second.
Danny Dyer left two red heart emojis, while Claire Sweeney wrote: "Sending you love today."
Ricky Hatton sent a load of kisses, and Natalie Cassidy said: "Love you so much".
On Mother's Day he said how he was struggling to come to terms with her passing.
"First Mother's Day without you.... I am simply speechless, it still doesn't feel real," he wrote beside a photo of her on Instagram.
"Xmas was hard, birthdays are hard, but today, wow that's a pain that burns.
"Every day is Mother's Day in my heart and soul.. I love you mum," he added.
Dean is famed for his iconic role as Robbie Jackson on EastEnders.
The 45 year old is a proud father to his twin daughters, Chloe and Charlotte who he shares with ex-partner Sarah Burge.
Read More on The Sun
Dean's daughter Chloe works as a PR for clothing brand Pretty Little Thing and welcomed her first child two years ago.
Dean revealed at the time that he’d become a grandfather at the age of 43.
