Barbara Windsor’s ‘message from beyond the grave’ to Ross Kemp in poignant funeral moment
Ross Kemp has recalled a 'weird moment' that happened during Barbara Windsor's funeral as he was asked to write a eulogy for his former on-screen mum and EastEnders icon
Ross Kemp has opened up about a “weird moment” during Barbara Windsor’s funeral in 2020.
Actor Ross portrayed Grant Mitchell, the on-screen son of Barbara Windsor’s character, Peggy Mitchell on EastEnders. Grant first appeared in Albert Square alongside his brother Phil (played by Steve McFadden) in February 1990.
He left the show nearly a decade later. But much to the delight of fans, made brief returns in 2005, 2006, and again in 2016 when his mother Peggy fell ill.
Sadly, Barbara passed away in 2020 at the age of 83, six years after being diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. Speaking on Loose Women on Friday (March 22) Ross opened up about his time on the soap and how it was a fantastic opportunity for his career.
He recalled: “I keep my pile of pens away from my kids because they just disappear. It took me two days to write it because I was crying – sobbing through it – and I reached up for a pen and I got this card stuck under my nail.”, reports the Express.
“I pulled the card down and it was a card from her to me on some flowers. Now I’m not into all that ghosts and dolls and stuff – but that was a weird moment.”
During the same show, Ross also dismissed rumours that he was asked to DJ at Calvin Harris’ wedding. He gave fans a sneak peek of his new gameshow, Bridge of Lies.
Ross Kemp, famous for his tough guy role as Grant Mitchell in EastEnders, hinted earlier this week at potentially making a comeback to the show.
Since he left Albert Square, fans have constantly wondered if we’ll see more of hardman Grant. Speaking to The Times, Ross revealed just how often he thinks about his old stomping ground, saying: “EastEnders finds its way into most days.
“Often it’s somebody calling me ‘Grant.’ I don’t get annoyed: I’m proud of my 10 years on the show.” When asked about the possibility of returning, Ross added: “Would I go back? Never say never. I’ve been back twice.
“One of those was because Barbara Windsor was ill – she asked me to come back for Peggy’s funeral. Those tears you saw were real. She was one of my dearest friends”.
Interestingly, Grant made a quick appearance in Walford during a flashback sequence this year. Now, given the unexpected resurrection of Cindy Beale, fans are hopeful that BBC bosses might welcome back Ross’ character for a grand return.
