Dean Gaffney and his long-term girlfriend Sarah Burge have split, according to multiple reports. The former EastEnders star, who is returning to Albert Square for a few episodes later this year, first met Sarah 22 years ago when he was a teenager.
The pair have twin daughters together, Charlotte and Chloe, and once upon a time were said to be engaged.
Dean, 37, has now moved out of the family home and is temporarily living with his mum while the ex-couple decide what to do.
© Photo: Getty ImagesDean Gaffney was the subject of cheating rumours two years ago
Their split comes two years after Dean was pictured holding hands with 24-year-old dancer Maddie Stephens and cheating claims started to surface. During an appearance on I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here! the actor also admitted to having an affair.
"We are in a place where we don't know what the future holds," Dean told The Sun. "No one wants to see pictures of someone that's been in their life for so long with someone else. No one wants to be humiliated.
"We are at an age where our daughters are old enough to fly the nest. So now it's about, 'What do we want?' I'm sure if we move forward in different directions we will still want the best for each other. If it's going to be together or not together."
Dean Gaffney is a proud dad to twin daughters Chloe and Charlotte
The newly single star, who is currently holidaying in Ibiza, added: "Sarah's a fantastic mother and we will always be close but there is nothing more to our relationship."
Earlier this month it was confirmed that Dean would return to EastEnders for six episodes to reprise his role as Robbie Jackson. The small-screen hunk, who featured on the soap from 1993 to 2003, will return as part of the storyline surrounding his character's mum's exit.
"All they've told me is that Robbie, as always, is hapless in love and business, so I think this trend is continuing," said Dean at the time of the announcement. "And I believe he comes back with a son."
