AN EASTENDERS legend has admitted his flash holidays to Ibiza and Dubai are paid for by his mates saying “I couldn’t afford those places”.
The 48-year-old is best known for playing fan favourite Robbie Jackson on the much loved soap from 1993 to 2010.
Soap Icon Dean Gaffney has also starred twice in I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here!, and appeared on The Bill, Celebs Go Dating and in various theatre roles.
But Dean has revealed that he isn’t living the life of luxury as he couldn’t afford to.
He told The Daily Star: “I think people have this misconception about me.
“When they see me in Dubai or Ibiza, they think I’m some millionaire living a big flashy lifestyle.
EastEnders
“The truth is, wherever I go, I’m usually staying for free because my friends have a villa or businesses out there.
“I wouldn’t be able to afford going to places like Dubai four times a year if I didn’t have friends who run beach clubs, restaurants, or hotels.
“They make it much easier to go away.”
Dean calls Tony Truman, owner of some of the island’s best-known hotspots, one of his best friends.
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He explained: “Tony is one of my best friends and, funnily enough, he was with Charlie Brooks, who played Janine on EastEnders.
“They had a daughter together, Kiki, who’s now 21. Tony owns a beach club and a hotel in Ibiza and lets me visit whenever I like.
“People who actually know me know what I’m like. I’m a normal person.”
Dean revealed last year, that he landed his first acting job in six years.
Taking to Instagram to share a sneak peek and reveal which Hollywood star he has been working alongside, Dean excitedly spilled the beans.
Sharing a snap of him and Vinnie Jones on set, Dean wrote: “Myself and Vinnie coming to a screen this year,” complete with a red heart emoji.
Vinnie, 61, is a former professional footballer who is globally known for his acting talent.
The Watford-born star has appeared in flicks such as The Midnight Meat Train; Lock, Stock, and Two Smoking Barrels; She’s The Man; and Gone in 60 Seconds.
The new high-octane action film called Reckless, blends martial arts and crime drama and the synopsis reads: “A former convict on parole must outwit the police to get his share of an old heist.”
