This Is Your Life: Ross Kemp

Ross KEMP (1964-)

THIS IS YOUR LIFE - Ross Kemp, actor, was surprised by Michael Aspel while filming a scene for the BBC television soap opera EastEnders at the BBC Elstree Studios.

Ross, who was born in Rainham and studied at the Webber Douglas Academy of Dramatic Art, began his professional career in the theatre. After appearing in training films and television commercials, he landed a part in the ITV soap opera Emmerdale Farm.

Guest appearances in the ITV drama London's Burning and the BBC sitcom Birds of a Feather led to his big break when he was cast as Grant Mitchell in EastEnders. Having first appeared in the soap in February 1990, his character quickly became part of the programme's key storylines.

"I don't know what to say!"

programme details...

Edition No: 966
Subject No: 941
Broadcast date: Mon 3 Feb 1997
Broadcast time: 7.00-7.30pm
Recorded: Mon 27 Jan 1997
Venue: unknown
Series: 37
Edition: 19
Code name: Vic

on the guest list...

Rebekah Wade - fiance
cast members of EastEnders
Pam St Clement
Gillian Taylforth
Martine McCutcheon
Jacqueline Leonard
John - father
Jean - mother
Darren - brother
Julie - sister-in-law
Renee Jordan - grandmother
Dick Jordan - grandfather
Doris - grandmother
Dean Richards
Dorothy Feakins
Joe Williams
Jean Rogers
Norman Eshley
Tony Jordan
Nicky Hutton
Paul Bradley
Steve McFadden
Bob Heath
Barbara Windsor
Chris Galise
members of Brentwood RFC
Paul Gascoigne

production team...

Researcher: Elizabeth Ross
Writer: Ian Brown
Directors: Wendy J Dyer, Paul Kirrage
Associate Producer: Sue Green
Executive Producer: John Longley
Producer: John Graham

names above in bold indicate subjects of This Is Your Life

related pages...

East End Life

Albert Square's finest

Secrets of Aspel's Success...

The Mirror previews the new series

Gillian Taylforth

Barbara Windsor

Screenshots of Ross Kemp This Is Your Life

Barbara Windsor recalls this edition of This Is Your Life in her autobiography, All Of Me...

Few people on EastEnders had a clue about Scott's problem: it was my secret. And I had another secret to keep on the last Monday in January 1997. Happily, this one was cause for celebration: I was the only person on the set who knew that Michael Aspel would be arriving later to surprise Ross Kemp with the big, red This Is Your Life book. I had to perform a long scene with Ross by the stairs at the back of the Vic, and I was nervous about giving the game away. All I had to say, walking down the stairs, was 'Now, look Grant, I don't care what you say...' but every time I opened my mouth to speak, all I could hear was that dramatic This Is Your Life signature tune. I kept stumbling over my line and it took me nine takes to get it right. I was so embarrassed I felt like slashing my wrists, but of course I couldn't tell a soul what the matter was.

After the fourth or fifth take, Ross realised that something was wrong.

'Are you OK, Bar?' he asked, most concerned. 'Have you had a row with Scott?'

'No, sweetheart,' I said. 'I'm all right. It's just that I've got a lot on my mind at the moment.'

Just how much became apparent shortly after 6pm when Michael walked on to the set and gave my TV son the surprise of his life. Ross looked at me and grinned.

Suddenly everything had clicked into place for him.

Series 37 subjects