Ross Kemp's secret Emmerdale career uncovered after starring in more than 30 episodes

Ross Kemp made several appearances in Emmerdale before making his debut as Grant Mitchell in EastEnders. The actor, 60, is best known for portraying the iconic hardman and was introduced to Albert Square back in 1990. He officially left Walford in 1999 but has reprised the role a number of times, much to the delight of viewers. But fans will be stunned to learn that portraying the Mitchell brother wasn't his first experience working on a soap.

Ross joined the cast of Emmerdale - when it was known as Emmerdale farm - as Graham Lodsworth in 1986. Graham was given up for adoption as a baby and revealed to be the illegitimate son of Dolly Skilbeck (Jean Rogers). He began stalking Dolly when he arrived in the village, previously known as Beckindale, before eventually sharing the truth about his identity. But after just two months, Graham was sent back to the army. Ross appeared in 32 episodes before his exit aired in 1987.

BBC bosses were clearly impressed with his performance as he joined EastEnders just four years later. His most recent return came in February 2025 as part of the soap's 40th anniversary celebrations.

Grant made a comeback to help his brother Phil Mitchell (Steve McFadden), who was struggling with his mental health. It marked his first return since 2016.

Ahead of his brief stint, Ross said: "I'm delighted to be returning to EastEnders as the show heads towards its 40th anniversary. EastEnders has always meant so much to me, so to return as the show is about to celebrate such a special anniversary, is an absolute honour. Grant has never been far from the action and let's just say, this time is no different as he certainly comes back with a bang."

At the beginning of June, Ross expressed his gratitude to the BBC soap for officially launching his television career and didn't dismiss the possibility of making another comeback

Quizzed on ITV's Loose Women about another potential comeback, Ross said: "You just don't know, do you? You don't know what's in the minds of the people who work on it."

Acknowledging the impact of EastEnders on his career, he continued: "I've also (always) known that without it, I wouldn't have had the career that I've had, I've always owed it a great debt and it was very good to me, and hopefully I was good to it, and why not keep it that way?".

The TV presenter, who has also enjoyed success in creating documentaries, added: "It was so wonderful to jump into Grant's leather jacket again, which I can still get in."