The Sun   Wednesday 24th March 1999

EASTENDERS ROSS QUITS...was the SUN SHOWBIZ EXCLUSIVE......by Christine Smith

'EastEnders star Ross Kemp has quit the BBC to join ITV in a £1.2 million golden handcuffs deal.  Ross who has played hardman Grant Mitchell for 10 years - will film his last scenes in August.  ITV director of programmes David Lidderment and controller of drama Nick Elliott secured the amazing deal late on Monday night secured the amazing deal late on Monday night after moths of secret talks. But it was ex-BBC drama boss Jo Wright - now controller of drama at LWT - who finally convinced Ross to quit the BBC's top soap.'

It's was reported that last night Ross told the Sun "I'm going to miss playing Grant.  I've grown to love him over the last ten years.  You could say we've been though a lot together. Two marriages, a divorce and countless affairs."

The two-year contract with ITV will include a new peak time drama series and allow Ross to do other stuff, including movies.

It is confirmed further in the article that Grant will not be killed off.  Ross's character is expected to have a dramatic exit but the door will be left open for Ross to return.

Article rating 10/10.... I'm sure everyone will join me in wishing you the best of luck Ross.

Quote of the day: All that is human must retrograde if it do not advance. EDWARD GIBBON 1776