Long before EastEnders, Ross Kemp was on the books of a Prem rugby club

Best known for playing hardman Grant Mitchell, Kemp has never been far from real-life physicality. Growing up in Dagenham, he was a regular at his local rugby club and at Romford Amateur Boxing Club, learning resilience and toughness from an early age.

“I’ve always loved a contact sport,” Kemp has said. “If you could take a hit, you could play.”

That love of rugby stayed with him into adulthood. While training as an actor, Kemp continued to lace up his boots and represent local sides. He played senior rugby for Brentwood RFC, Saracens 2nd XV and Maidstone RFC, where his competitive edge and no-nonsense style earned him respect among teammates and opposition alike.

Even when his acting career began to take off, Kemp made time for the game. It’s said he once turned up for a Maidstone match straight from filming, still wearing stage make-up – and didn’t hold back when the whistle blew.

His passion for rugby hasn’t faded. Kemp remains a loyal Saracens supporter, regularly attending matches and backing the club through highs and lows. He was among the fans at St James’ Park in 2019 when Saracens claimed the Champions Cup title with a 20–10 win over Leinster – a day he described as one of his proudest as a supporter.

Now 61 and a respected documentary presenter known for his hard-hitting reporting from war zones and ganglands, Kemp often draws comparisons between the camaraderie of rugby and the loyalty required in his frontline work.

“Rugby gave me grit,” he’s said. “It’s a family – and once you’re in, you never leave.”

That same grit is now set to return to Albert Square. The BBC has confirmed that Kemp will reprise his iconic role as Grant Mitchell in EastEnders for a short stint later this year.

He previously made a brief comeback for the soap’s 40th anniversary, and his latest return promises to place him at the heart of two major storylines.

“I’m truly delighted to be stepping back into Grant Mitchell’s shoes and returning to EastEnders later this year,” Kemp said in a statement, calling it an “honour” to be part of two significant plots.

Executive producer Ben Wadey added that the show was “absolutely thrilled” to welcome Kemp back in “the legendary role of Grant”. The Mitchells, he said, remain one of the soap’s defining dynasties – and when Grant is around, drama inevitably follows.

 newcomers to join the top flight in 2011… but can you remember the rest?

London Welsh were the last

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