Dean Gaffney has vowed to be the ‘best-looking grandfather in town’ after one of his twin daughters gave birth earlier this month.
The EastEnders legend is thrilled that his 24-year-old daughter Chloe gave birth to a daughter of her own, named Mimi – making him a grandfather at the young age of 43.
Dean introduced his granddaughter to the world last week – sharing a photo of himself cradling her via Instagram to the delight, and astonishment, of fans.
And now he has broken his silence to discuss the latest arrival in his family and to declare he is fully looking forward to undertaking grandfather duties.
Speaking to The Sun on Sunday, Dean declared: “I’ll be one of the best-looking grandpas in town. I’m so proud. Lots of my mates are becoming dads, but I’m a grandad at the same age.”
The soap star went on to explain he is processing the fact that he is a grandfather at a young age.
He said: “I’m hoping people will see me pushing a pram in the street and go, ‘Oh, is that your child?’ Because although I’ve got grey hair, I don’t think I look like a grandad just yet.”
Mimi is the daughter of Chloe – one of Deans twin daughters, that includes his other daughter Charlotte, that he shares with ex-partner Sarah Burge.
Dean was 19-years-old when he became a first-time dad – and at the height of his EastEnders fame.
Taking to Instagram on Tuesday, Dean revealed his granddaughter had been born on July 7th, writing alongside snaps of the baby girl: “Welcome to this crazy world, my beautiful granddaughter Mimi.
“I am very happy to announce I am a GRANDAD. I can’t believe my baby is now a mother, proud is an understatement.
“Chloe and Declan — you’re going to be amazing parents.”
Addressing his own youthful age and looks, he added: “Just to thank everyone in advance, I know I don’t look old enough to be a father let alone a grandfather!”
Meanwhile, in his chat with The Sun, Dean went on to say he is turning to fellow EastEnders star Danny Dyer for grandfather advice.
The actor, who plays Mick Carter on the long-running BBC soap, also became a grandfather at the age of 43 when his daughter, Love Island star Dani Dyer, gave birth to a son in January this year.
Dean said: “The only person I know who’s in the same boat as me is Danny Dyer, who has a grandchild at 43. I’ll be calling him for tips. We could do grandaddy day care together.’”
And he also paid tribute to his former fiancee, Sarah, who he raised Charlotte and Chloe with before they split up.
He said: “Being a grandad at this age is great. I’ve done my living. Me and my ex Sarah are both pleased that we have done a good job and the girls have turned out great.”
