Former EastEnders star Dean Gaffney has surprised fans by revealing he's dating a brilliant ex-Harvard graduate who's 16 years his junior - and admits she's nothing like his previous partners.
An Unlikely Match
The 47-year-old actor, best known for playing Robbie Jackson in the BBC soap, has found romance with 31-year-old Charlotte, a Cambridge University graduate who previously studied at the prestigious Harvard University in America.
In a candid admission, Gaffney told the Daily Mail: "She's not my usual type at all." The actor, who has been single for several years, revealed he's typically been drawn to women who are "more glamorous and in the public eye."
Brain Meets Beauty
Charlotte represents a dramatic departure from Gaffney's usual dating preferences. The stunning brunette boasts an impressive academic background that includes:
- Graduating from Cambridge University
- Previous study at Harvard University
- A successful career outside the entertainment industry
"She's very intelligent and has a proper career," Gaffney gushed about his new partner, who works in the corporate world rather than showbusiness.
From Albert Square to Academic Circles
The relationship marks a significant shift for Gaffney, who became a household name playing market trader Robbie Jackson on EastEnders from 1993 to 2015, with various returns since.
His character was known for being lovable but not particularly academic, making his real-life romance with an intellectual high-flyer all the more surprising to fans.
The couple have been quietly dating for several months and are said to be enjoying getting to know each other despite their different backgrounds and the significant age gap.
A New Chapter
Gaffney, who has twin daughters from a previous relationship, appears genuinely smitten with his new partner. He emphasised that Charlotte's intelligence and career-focused nature are qualities he now finds particularly attractive.
"It's refreshing to be with someone who has such a different perspective on life," the actor confessed, suggesting this relationship represents a new chapter in his personal life.
The couple are taking things slowly but are reportedly very happy together, proving that sometimes opposites really do attract.
