EastEnders Legend Ross Kemp Opens Up: His Bond with Barbara Windsor, Why He Left the Soap, and Life as a Dad in His Sixties
Reflecting on Albert Square and Beyond
Ross Kemp has never forgotten the place where his career truly began. Known to millions as Grant Mitchell in EastEnders, the 61-year-old actor recently looked back on his time in Walford. Speaking candidly, he explained why he remains proud of his soap roots and why he eventually stepped away.
Returning earlier this year for EastEnders’ 40th anniversary documentary, Kemp described the special as more than a TV milestone. “It was a look back on 40 years of British culture,” he said. He felt honored to have been part of iconic Christmas Day episodes that once pulled in 25 million viewers.
EastEnders as a Mirror of Change
Looking back, Kemp praised the soap for reflecting social change. In his eyes, the series was groundbreaking. Storylines tackled topics that were once considered too controversial for primetime, such as same-sex relationships and domestic violence. Kemp noted how EastEnders helped make those conversations part of everyday life, proving the show’s enduring importance.
Remembering Barbara Windsor
One of Kemp’s fondest memories is his close bond with the late Barbara Windsor, who played his on-screen mum, Peggy Mitchell. “Barbara’s never far away,” he shared warmly, explaining that he keeps her picture in his office and often speaks to her widower, Scott Mitchell.
He even wrote and delivered Windsor’s eulogy at her funeral. For Kemp, her legacy lives on. “She doesn’t seem to have faded away at all,” he reflected. “That’s a testament to how much she gave to the public.”
From Soap Actor to Documentary Maker
After a decade at Elstree Studios, Kemp decided he needed a change. His next step surprised some viewers: hard-hitting documentaries. He admitted he “couldn’t have stayed just being an actor” and wanted to see the wider world.
Those experiences shaped him, though often in tough ways. He freely acknowledged that the popularity of Grant Mitchell opened the door for documentary work, but the success that followed came from his own determination. Over the years, he has won both soap and documentary awards — achievements he credits to the talented teams he works alongside.
What the Future Holds
Even with his reputation as a serious documentarian, Kemp isn’t ruling out more acting. Variety, he believes, keeps his career exciting. “If I get the opportunity to act in something good, and they want me, I’ll take it,” he confirmed.
When asked about Strictly Come Dancing, he laughed off the idea but didn’t completely close the door. Right now, his focus is on filming a new five-part documentary. “I’ve just done 14 days straight,” he explained. “So, I’ve got enough on my plate.”
Life as a Dad in His Sixties
Away from the cameras, Kemp is busy raising three young children. Parenting wasn’t something he imagined for his sixties, but it’s now his reality. “If you’d said to me at 30 that I’d have three kids under 11 in my early sixties, I’d have said no way,” he admitted.
Despite the challenges, he embraces the role. From school runs to porridge breakfasts, Kemp is fully hands-on. He has even dipped into his pension to support his children’s education and activities, choosing to invest in their future rather than in luxury for himself.
Giving Back and Looking Ahead
Currently, Kemp is fronting the Pay Your Pension Some Attention campaign, urging people to engage with their retirement planning. His message is clear: preparing for the future benefits not only you, but also your loved ones.
For Kemp, whether it’s acting, documentaries, or family life, the common thread is commitment. He continues to honor his EastEnders past while carving out new paths, proving that reinvention is possible at any stage of life.