Eastenders’ most iconic siblings Sonia and Robbie Jackson will be reuniting on screens once more after first gracing the BBC as child and teen stars over thirty years ago.

Dean Gaffney and Natalie Cassidy have set tongues wagging over their off-screen relationship once more as they prepare to reunite this festive season – with both soap stars signing-up for this years The Great Celebrity Bake Off: Christmas Special 2024.

With excitement at an all time high as Christmas looms, Eastenders’ most famous brother and sister duo Sonia and Robbie Jackson have sent fans wild after confirming they’ll both be in the mix for the TV spin-off. The pair were last on screen together in 2019, before Dean’s character Robbie was subtly axed.

On the popular soap, Robbie left for India with his girlfriend but according to reports at the time, Dean was actually given the boot over his behaviour away from the programme, something that he later told the Daily Mail was “harsh” but that he also “understood”.

In both of their personal lives, there has been lots of highs and lows and relationship woes, with Dean now believed to still be single, following his relationship breakdown, stint on Celebs Go Dating in 2020 and later being spotted on the dating app Hinge just months ago.

Natalie, however has been in a long-term partnership with an EastEnders cameraman, who she shares two daughters with.

In the past, the TV duo who have known each other for over 30 years have had to release statements to downplay their off-screen relationship and were even alleged at one point to have been meeting up in secret…

Natalie has a ‘soft spot’ for Dean

Natalie was reported to have had a “soft spot” for her co-star ( 
Image:
BBC)
15 years ago, when the pair were no longer working on the BBC soap, reports surfaced that the co-stars had engaged in a couple of secret meet ups.

A source told Digital Spy: “Before we knew they met up, Nat was always texting and speaking to Dean on the phone.” They went on to add: “She told her best friend that she’s always had a soft spot for him.”

The same publication reported that the pair had grown close and that the actress hid her close bond with Dean from the wider world.

Natalie and Ben Porter announced their engagement in 2008 but just a year later, around a similar time to claims of secret meet ups with Dean, she called off her wedding plans, stating she “wasn’t ready to settle down yet,” reported OK! magazine at that time.

Dean spotted leaving Natalie’s home

Sonia and Dean had to speak out on their relationship ( 
Image:

BBC / Gary Moyes)
In 2009, Digital Spy also reported that a photographer had claimed they had seen Dean leaving his on-screen sisters home. The actors denied any romance and confirmed it was a friendly meet up.

A photographer said at the time: “I couldn’t believe it when I saw Dean scurrying away from Nat’s and he wouldn’t answer any questions. He was pursued by the paparazzi further down the street.”

Both EastEnders stars later released statements to confirm it was anything but a harmless coffee and catch up between friends. Natalie’s representatives said: “Dean was on his way to Islington and just stopped off for a cup of coffee.”

Dean spokesperson added: “He’s remained good friends with Natalie since leaving EastEnders.”

Dean’s romantic history

Dean is believed to be looking for love still ( 
Image:
Ian Vogler / Daily Mirror)
Dean shares twin daughters Chloe and Charlotte, 28, with his ex-partner Sarah Burge. The Robbie Jackson star announced that he and Sarah had parted ways in 2015, later dating model Rebekah Rose-Ward, they were an item for three years before going their separate ways.

In 2019, he was spotted on the dating app Bumble before turning to Celebrity dating experts on the Channel 4 series Celebs Go Dating. Dean is believed to still be looking for love after his profile was spotted on Hinge back in July of this year.

A source told the Mirror in 2020: “He’s a down-to-earth guy who doesn’t take life too seriously and just wants someone to spend time with. Dean knows he’s casting the net wide but he thinks that way there is more of a chance of meeting Mrs Right.”

Natalie ‘will never marry’

Marc and Natalie have been engaged for nine years

Natalie Cassidy, 41, began dating Eastenders cameraman in 2014, they welcomed their first child Joanie together in 2016. The couple were dating for months in secret before finally decided to confess their love to BBC bosses.

The actress is also mum to Eliza, from a previous relationship with Adam Cottrell – a relationship that quickly became volatile. Adam was sentenced to 120 hours of unpaid work and given a two year restraining order for attacking Natalie at her home in 2011.

After pleading guilty and serving his sentence, they did attempt to rekindle but permanently put an end to their relationship in 2013. Prior to Adam, Natalie dated Ben Porter for around a year and the pair were engaged early on, however after confirming their romance in 2018, they parted ways just months later.

Even though Natalie has been very happy with BBC cameraman Marc, she has no desire to wed, even though they have been engaged for nearly a decade-now.

Speaking to Jen Brister and Kerry Godliman on the Memory Lane podcast, the soap star explained she’s “a bit of a snob” and would want the very best ceremony that money could buy.

She stated: “Do you know what? It’s a lot of money. No, I tell you what it is, it’s time and budget. I’ll go, I’ll do something small… I will do it small but I want to be at The Ledbury. Oh, I want a Michelin star meal or I’m just a bit of a snob genuinely.”

Soap stars party the night away

Natalie and Dean are still friends to this very day
Years later, fans would see Natalie and Dean’s friendship had continued to this very day when she threw a 40th birthday bash for herself last year.

The function took place in a swanky pub in Essex, with Natalie dazzling in an all white trousers and waistcoat co-ord for the special event. When it came to the attendees list, everyone was invited, with the likes of Jessie Wallace, Jamie Borthwick, Lacey Turner and Dean among the star-studded guests on the day.

Celebs Go Dating star Dean joined Natalie at her birthday bash and even took to his personal Instagram, sharing a sweet snap of them both together to wish his “sis” a happy birthday.