Dean Gaffney comforted by co-stars after his mum’s funeral as he shares heartbreaking message

EASTENDERS' Dean Gaffney has been comforted by his former soap co-stars following his mum’s funeral.

Actor Dean, 45, paid an emotional tribute to his mother Marian on social media after she tragically passed away last month.

The heartbroken star took to Instagram again today with a photo of her funeral booklet.

He wrote in his caption, "Gone but NEVER forgotten… Sunrise: 23/12/53. Sunset: 13/08/23.

"I miss and love you Mum, today, tomorrow and forever. X."

Ex Coronation Street star Kym Marsh commented, "Sending lots of love xxx," while EastEnders' Richard Blackwood said, "Sending Condolences my bro."

Corrie's Andy Whyment wrote, "Sending lots of love mate x," with Helen Flanagan adding, "Sending so much love Dean."

Hollyoaks' Stephanie Waring inserted a heart emoji and Emmerdale's Danny Miller typed, "All the love brother."

Dean broke the news of his mother's passing on social media last month, writing that he was "simply broken".

Posting a couple of photos of Marian including one of him gently kissing her head, grieving Dean wrote: "I am simply broken to share that my beautiful selfless mother Marian has sadly passed away.

"I was, am and always will be a mummy’s boy so this news has completely floored me.

"I spoke to her every day and in some ways I’m glad I’m the one that found her asleep.

"I will retain all the amazing memories that we shared and whilst I understand the circle of life means everyone will feel this pain at some point in their lives, life can be very cruel at times."

The devastated star described the pain as "beyond any" that he had experienced before.

"To know I will never be able to physically see or speak to her ever again is beyond any pain I’ve ever experienced in my life.

"We all tell our parents and loved ones we love them flippantly at the end of a phone call but please tell them you actually really love them… put down that phone when you’re with them, as my mums only criticism of me was that I would be on my phone when in her company. Life really does change from one minute to the next.

"I truly love you Mum, you don’t only hold a special place in my heart, you are my heart.

"For anyone that knew her, I don’t need to remind you of who my mum was as a person for others that don’t, she was the most amazing selfless, caring, generous soul to ever walk the earth.

"Mum, I truly love you."