Former EastEnders actor Dean Gaffney was arrested on Christmas Day after a punchup with his brother, the News of the World reports today.

The 26-year-old - Robbie Jackson in the BBC soap - allegedly became involved in the argument after older brother Gary, 32, came home from the pub "blind drunk and spoiling for a fight."

The pair ended up trading blows before police were called, who arrested Gaffney after spotting a cut above Gary's eye.

"You can't pick your family," Gaffney told the newspaper. "I had to protect my kids from my brother and I was right to do it. He was rude and aggressive.

"I told him to be quiet, then I told him to leave which is when the fight started. Now he's no longer welcome here."