EastEnders star Dean Gaffney is reportedly dating a Harvard graduate who is 16 years his junior and is not his “usual type” but the pair are said to be “smitten”

EastEnders favourite Dean Gaffney has revealed he’s found romance with a Harvard graduate after being introduced through pals.

The soap star has confessed his new partner isn’t his “usual type”, but the relationship appears to be flourishing.

The 47 year old is said to be dating 31 year old Kate Black, who completed her studies in international relations at the prestigious American university.

She furthered her academic credentials by pursuing artificial intelligence studies at the University of York.

Dean and Kate’s romance began in April this year, just one month after Kate ended her previous relationship, reports the Mirror.

The pair were spotted enjoying a getaway together in Ibiza.

An insider revealed: “Dean’s smitten and they get on really well despite the fact she’s not exactly his usual type.”

They told The Sun: “He normally dates party girls and Kate’s more of a homebody. She’s smart, hard-working and ambitious.

“She normally dates driven, academic types. But she loves Dean’s sense of humour and laid-back approach to life.”

Dean shot to stardom portraying Robbie Jackson on the beloved BBC soap EastEnders.

The performer appeared in the programme intermittently starting in 1993.

Dean took on the character of Robbie between 1993 and 2003, before returning to the role from 2017 through to 2019.

He subsequently made several brief comeback appearances in Walford, popping up in Albert Square again during 2004, 2010 and 2015 for shorter stints.

Despite landing the iconic role on EastEnders, Dean has enjoyed a string of other acting opportunities over the years. He popped up on The Bill back in 2006.

The following year saw Dean hit the road with the Agatha Christie Theatre Company, performing in The Unexpected Guest.

Christmas 2011 kept the actor rushed off his feet as he took to the stage in pantomime at the Thurrock Thameside Theatre in Grays, Essex.

Come 2015, the soap favourite stepped into the shoes of Wishee Washee in the pantomime Aladdin over in Runcorn.

One of Dean’s more recent ventures came in 2023 when he appeared in I’m a Celebrity… South Africa, marking his second adventure in the jungle following his initial appearance way back in 2006.

Dean’s current project sees him sharing the screen with fellow actor Vinnie Jones. Dean joined forces with the renowned Hollywood star in the action flick Reckless, which hit screens this year.

According to the film’s IMDB page, the movie synopsis states: “A former convict on parole must outwit the police to get his share of an old heist.”

The Mirror has reached out to Dean’s representatives for comment.