'What keeps me up now isn’t necessarily those events, it’s worrying about not being around for my kids'

Ross Kemp opens up about his dangerous TV career and family life in new autobiography

Actor-turned-documentary maker Ross Kemp has seen his fair share of danger throughout his career. From being shot at by the Taliban to being threatened at gunpoint in Papua New Guinea, Kemp has faced unimaginable challenges. However, what keeps him awake at night is not the traumatic events he's experienced, but the fear of not being there for his children. In his new book, Take Nothing For Granted: Tales From An Unexpected Life, Kemp shares his jaw-dropping experiences and reveals how his family grounds him.

Family life keeps Ross grounded

While Kemp may be known for his daring television exploits and hard-hitting documentaries, his main focus is on his family. Married to lawyer Renee O'Brien since 2012, Kemp cherishes the time he spends with his son, twin daughters, and his first son from a previous relationship. Kemp admits that he doesn't expect sympathy, especially when his wife is juggling the demands of being a mother and a lawyer. Family life, according to Kemp, is the most challenging and rewarding job of all.

A career full of surprises

Kemp's career has taken him on unexpected paths, from his role as Grant Mitchell in EastEnders to his current documentary work. He has produced over 120 documentaries to date, with no signs of slowing down. Kemp has recently been filming a Channel 5 series about South America's toughest prisons and a Sky History show about organized crime. In addition to his documentary work, Kemp also hosts the hit BBC One quiz show Bridge Of Lies. Kemp believes in making the most of each day and following a strong work ethic.

Looking back on his journey

Growing up in Essex, Kemp had no idea what he would accomplish in his career. Reflecting on his younger self, he admits he would have given himself a stern talking to. At the age of 23, Kemp lacks the knowledge and experience he now possesses. Despite his success, Kemp will never forget his roots in EastEnders, where he played the iconic character Grant Mitchell. Following the death of his friend Dame Barbara Windsor, Kemp was invited to give a eulogy at her funeral and returned to Albert Square to film Peggy Mitchell's funeral.

Shining a light on important stories

For Kemp, the most important aspect of his work is shedding light on stories that matter. From documenting the lives of drug addicts in Kenya to spending time with British troops on the front line, Kemp is driven by the desire to create understanding and reduce conflict through his documentaries. He believes that the true measure of success is the respect of his colleagues and the impact he has on viewers. Kemp's book, Take Nothing For Granted, is now available for readers to delve into his extraordinary life.