Ross Kemp will not return for EastEnders’ 30th anniversary.
The 50-year-old star insists he will not join his on-screen mother Peggy Mitchell (Barbara Windsor) in rejoining the BBC One soap for their upcoming week of live episodes because of prior filming commitments.
He said: "I can’t join her [Windsor]. It’s just about space in my diary."
The ‘Ross Kemp: Extreme World’ host has played Grant Mitchell in the popular drama on and off since 1985 and admits he would definitely consider reprising the role in the future.
He told the Gloucester Citizen newspaper: "I would never rule out going back to ‘EastEnders’, I owe it a heck of a lot. I think it’s a great show."
Rumours the hardman was planning a surprise return to Albert Square were sparked when BBC bosses refused to confirm or deny a report that he was to appear in episodes to mark the soap’s 30th year on air in February.
Meanwhile, Barbara – who appeared in a one-off episode last year – is looking forward to her latest appearance.
She said previously: "I am absolutely thrilled that Peggy has been included in the celebrations to mark the 30th anniversary of ‘EastEnders’. What an incredible achievement for all the production, cast and crew, past and present."
Ross Kemp won’t return for EastEnders 30th anniversary
