Dean Gaffney is reportedly scared of the new 'EastEnders' boss.
Dean Gaffney
The 39-year-old actor, who recently reprised his role as Robbie Jackson in the BBC One soap after his first departure 14 years ago, is thought to be quietly worried for his job as new show boss John Yorke helped trigger his 2003 exit.
A source told The Sun newspaper: "There is no love lost between the pair. Dean knows that John is not his biggest fan and they certainly clashed in the past. He's been expressing his concern privately since it was confirmed that John would be taking control. But Dean is determined to make sure his return is a successful one as he simply loves EastEnders."
However, despite these claims, Dean has said he's "looking forward" to working with John, as there's no animosity between the pair.
Speaking on Thursday (29.06.17) night, Dean said: This is the type of rubbish that Robbie used to sweep up on the market. I'm really looking forward to working with John.
The news comes as John is temporarily replacing former 'EastEnders' chief Sean O'Connor - who was responsible for bringing back Dean but unfortunately wasn't around to see his recent return to screen as he left the show last week - whilst his long-term successor is hired.
The swift exit comes following weak storylines and complaints from the cast over his management style.
Meanwhile, Dean's character Robbie -who used to be the town's road sweeper - returned to Albert Square on Monday night (26.06.17) when he rocked up as the new market inspector to the shock of traders including his old pal Martin, played by James Bye.
Dean was axed from the long-running soap alongside his dog in 2003 but he reprised his role for a few episodes in 2004 and then again in 2010 for various Jackson family events.
His last return to Walford was in September 2015 with his dog Wellard II when his mother Carol Jackson (Lindsey Coulson) rode off into the sunset for a fresh start but his latest return sees him without his furry friend Wellard II in tow. He then fled the Square for a "fresh start" in Milton Keynes.
At the time Dean admitted he couldn't wait to get back on set and see his co-stars again.
He said: "I'm really happy to be back. I'm so lucky to be given the chance to work again with such a talented group of people. A big thank you to Sean and the team. I think it's going to be a lot of fun."
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