EastEnders icon Ross Kemp has reassured fans that his mother is 'stable' after she was taken to hospital during England’s World Cup third-place playoff against France on Saturday, July 19. The actor, best known for playing Grant Mitchell on the BBC soap, missed the match to be with his mother, but later confirmed she was okay.
Ross Kemp Misses England Match for Family Emergency
In a video shared on his Instagram story, Kemp explained to his 226,000 followers why he would not be posting about the game. 'Huge thank you to the paramedics who’ve helped me get my mum to hospital tonight. Clearly, I will not be posting about the football. That is not because I don’t care. I love England and I hope they win. But there are some things like your mum that are more important than football,' he said.
Kemp had been providing passionate commentary throughout the World Cup, which concludes on Sunday, July 19. His absence from the third-place match was notable, but he emphasized family priorities.
England Wins Bronze in Thrilling Match
Despite Kemp’s absence, England delivered a spectacular performance, defeating France 6-4 in what has been described as one of the best games of the tournament. However, Thomas Tuchel’s side missed out on the final after a 2-1 semi-final defeat to Argentina. Argentina will face Spain in the final at the New York New Jersey Stadium.
After the match, Kemp posted an update: 'The good news is my mum is okay. She’s stable. England won the football and we beat the Argentinians at rugby in their own backyard, so not a bad result after all. Good night.'
Kemp’s EastEnders Return and Career
Ross Kemp rose to fame as Grant Mitchell in the 1990s, a role he has reprised occasionally. Earlier this year, he returned to Walford for a storyline involving his on-screen friend Nigel Bates, who died from dementia. Grant also reconnected with his son Mark Fowler Jnr and had a fling with Linda Carter. Fans are eager for a permanent return.
After leaving EastEnders, Kemp built a career producing documentaries on global crime. His World Cup commentary has been a highlight for fans, but this weekend he prioritised his mother’s health.
