Ross Kemp has opened up about his enduring love for the late Barbara Windsor, revealing that he’s guided by her memory in his career moves.
The telly tough guy, who played Grant Mitchell alongside Babara’s iconic Peggy on EastEnders, shared that the legendary actress is still a daily inspiration to him. The 59-year-old actor cherished his time with the soap legend, especially when he came back to Albert Square for her poignant departure from the show.
It’s been three years since the mourned Dame Barbara’s death, who lost her battle with Alzheimer’s at the age of 83. But Ross admits she’s never far from his thoughts.
READ MORE: EastEnders spin-off show ‘sealed’ starring soap icon as exit ‘confirmed’ after 39 years
READ MORE: Click for more brilliant Daily Star TV stories
Talking to The Sun’s TV Mag, Ross said: “She’s someone that I loved, and I spoke to, I spent a lot of time with.” The star even has a cheeky snap of a young Barbara in his home.
(Image: Internet Unknown)
He continued: “I’ve got a picture of her in my house, so I bounce past that every day – it’s a picture of her when she was about 23, wearing not very much, funnily enough, but I don’t think of her in that way, I was just very fond of her.”
Ross reminisced about Barbara’s star quality, musing, “And she was one of those old big stars, you know, probably the like we will never see again. And she was a friend and I was very close to her.”
(Image: (Image: BBC))
Hinting at a possible return to the Square, the out-of-work actor admitted he owes a lot to EastEnders, leaving fans wondering if Grant Mitchell might be making a comeback.
His most recent appearance on EastEnders harks back to 2016, where he made a cameo for the iconic exit storyline of Barbara Windsor. However, TV enthusiasts are still hoping for his return to Albert Square.
(Image: Handout)
In regards to his current status, Ross cheekily remarked that he’s currently “uneployed”. He also said that if there is any work available then it should be pushed his way.
For now, Ross is taking centre stage on the box with his newest gig on the BBC quiz show, Bridge of Lies. Having been at the helm since its inception in 2022, the third series sees participants vying to cross the bridge and bag themselves a large cash prize.
Want all the biggest Showbiz and TV news straight to your inbox? Sign up for our free Daily Star Showbiz newsletter.
Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
