Ross Kemp, a legend of EastEnders, played Grant Mitchell on more than 1, 000 episodes, but he admits he couldn’t stay on set and has since improved.
While many soap stars often dismiss their roots when they leave a role and go on to bigger things, EastEnders’ Ross Kemp has never forgotten where he came from. In an exclusive chat, Ross, 61, reflects on his time playing Grant Mitchell on the BBC soap, how Barbara Windsor, who played his on-screen mum Peggy, remains a figurehead five years after her death, and what’s it like being a dad to young kids in his sixties.
He also opens up about returning to to Albert Square this year for the 40th anniversary documentary, saying: “I think it was a good look back on 40 years of British culture. I was very honoured to [be involved] in a number of really big Christmas Day episodes back in the day when we were getting 25 million viewers.”
Hi Ross, how much have things changed since the show’s 40 years?
It really demonstrates how things that were once seen as outrageous in the 1980s and 1990s have evolved into acceptable and commonplace as they should be in a changing Britain. People wouldn’t show domestic violence on TV in the 1960s or 1970s, as gay and lesbian relationships did, you know? EastEnders, in particular, is still regarded as quite groundbreaking.
Were you close to Barbara Windsor when you worked closely with her?
Oh no, Barbara is never far away. In my office, I have a photo of her, and I speak with Scott Mitchell, her widower, frequently. She and I had a very close relationship. I delivered her a funeral eulogy. She had a very special personality. And it’s interesting how many people frequently pass away. Does she not appear to have significantly faded away? That demonstrates how long she spent in the public eye and how much time she spent with the public.
What led you to decide to host a gritty documentary in the modern era?
I think looking back, I couldn’t have stayed at being an actor. I’d spent 10 years at Elstree Studios, and had a brilliant time, but I wanted to go and see the world. I didn’t want to necessarily go and see it in the way that I saw it, but be careful what you wish for! I think I’m a better person for, you know, seeing some of the things that go on around the world.
Without the popularity of Grant Mitchell, I’ve always been very open about the fact that I don’t believe I would have received a documentary commission. As Ross Kemp, I had the sole responsibility for what transpired after that in order to produce the best documentary possible. I’ve won more awards for soap than anything else, but I also have a few honors for documentary that I’m very proud of. The team I work for has developed into a close relationship over time.
What do you have to do next in terms of your career?
To be honest, I’d like to do a little bit more acting. Since it’s always the same, I did EastEnders and two docs last year. You are aware that life is about variety. I have the opportunity to switch genres and produce programs about interesting subjects.
I don’t rule out anything. I think there are some people who do soaps and then they leave them and want to pretend they were never in them because they find themselves successful in other places. That’s their decision and there’s nothing wrong with that at all. WhatI will say is, if I’ve got the opportunity to act in something I think is good and they want me, I’ll take the job.
Could we ever see you wearing a fake tan and sequins? Strictly is back on our screens. !
No, really, not. You shouldn’t ever say “no,” in my opinion. But no, because I’m incredibly busy right now. A five-part documentary is what I’m producing. I’ve only been exercising for 14 days straight. So, I’m currently stuffed to the brim. I enjoy watching Strictly, but I’m not sure if I want to.
Did you always consider yourself a father because you are currently a busy mother of three?
I have a young family, which wasn’t how I wanted to spend my early 60s: running around and doing the school run! But that’s how I’ve lived my entire life. If you had told me at age 30 that I would have three children under the age of 11 in my early sixties, I would have said, “No, that’s not happening”!
Have you been giving your children any financial advice while you’re a part of the Pay Your Pension Some Attention campaign?
To help my children’s education, and to carry out their goals, I’m using a portion of my pension’s tax-free money to do things like help them. Actually, I’m not putting it on myself because I’m not relaxing on the beach in the Bahamas. I get them to school early, get them in the car, and get them porridge inside. I’m already using some of my pension to pay for them.
The most recent Pay Your Pension Some Attention campaign is being directed by Ross Kemp. The TV star urges viewers to follow three easy steps in order to fulfill their retirement plans. Visit Pensionattention to learn more. . uk
Source: Mirror
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