Well 'ard? EastEnders' Dean Gaffney more 'Johnny English than James Bond' despite applying for MI5 job

The actor who played Robbie Jackson in the soap has 'got some stick' over his bid to be the next 007

Dean Gaffney has applied for MI5 role (Getty Images)

Former soap star Dean Gaffney has been described as "more Johnny English than James Bond" after it emerged he has applied for a job with the intelligence services.

The actor, who played dim-witted street cleaner Robbie Jackson in EastEnders for 10 years, answered an MI5 advert for a mobile surveillance officer.

He told the Sun: "I love spy films and the whole James Bond thing and I've got an inquiring mind, so I thought I'd give it a go.

"MI5 put out an advert looking for people and I thought 'How hard can it be?'. Most spies spend their lives pretending to be people who they're not. I do that for a living."

Adam Woodyatt, who plays Ian Beale in the soap, joked that Gaffney would "get some stick" over his application.

He tweeted: "He's more Johnny English than James Bond."

Gaffney's character in EastEnders was regularly seen tidying up Albert Square with his broom and dustcart and his pet dog Wellard until he left the BBC soap in 2003.

He has returned for several special appearances and also had roles in The Bill and a Ricky Gervais Christmas special.

PA