Ross Kemp, the beloved actor known for his role as Grant Mitchell in the long-running BBC soap opera EastEnders, is set to explore his family's intriguing past in the latest episode of Who Do You Think You Are?, airing on May 6, 2025. This episode promises to reveal some surprising and emotional insights into Kemp's ancestry, particularly focusing on his maternal great-grandfather, Arthur "Pop" Chalmers, and his great-great-uncle, Albert Chambers.
In the episode, Kemp embarks on a journey that intertwines family folklore with historical facts. He has long been told tales of his great-grandfather being shipwrecked twice during his time as a merchant seaman. This family legend has inspired Kemp to create documentaries about shipwrecks, including the series Ross Kemp: Shipwreck Treasure Hunter. Kemp humorously remarks, "You know I've made three programmes about shipwrecks because of him supposedly being shipwrecked twice, so Pop, you'd better have been shipwrecked."
As the episode unfolds, Kemp travels to Casablanca, where he uncovers the truth about his great-grandfather's maritime adventures. He learns that Pop was indeed on board the Duchess of York in 1943 when it was struck by enemy fire, resulting in the tragic deaths of 89 passengers. Kemp's emotional reaction is palpable as he wipes away tears, admitting, "I'm getting a bit emotional." This moment of vulnerability highlights the profound impact that discovering his family's history has on him.
In addition to Pop's harrowing tale, Kemp also delves into the life of Albert Chambers, his great-great-uncle, who has earned a notorious reputation in the family as a "bad man." Kemp discovers that Albert lived in a pub in Portsmouth with ten siblings, one of whom was his great-grandfather Arthur. Albert's life was marred by legal troubles, as he accumulated numerous court charges for being drunk and violent. One particularly shocking incident involved him allegedly threatening to decapitate his mother with a table knife. Kemp reads from a local newspaper account: "It was alleged he threatened to cut his mother’s head off, and everyone else in the house, at the same time chasing after her with a table knife.”
Albert's unruly behavior ultimately led to him being blacklisted from every pub in the country under the 1902 Licensing Act. This revelation adds a dramatic twist to Kemp's family story, which resonates with the intense narratives often found in EastEnders.
Throughout the episode, Kemp reflects on the parallels between his own life and that of his ancestors. He draws connections between his adventures as a documentary maker and the seafaring exploits of his great-grandfather. "It's very odd, I make documentaries around the world and see lots of stuff but when it's about you or your family, it has a very different impact," he shares, emphasizing the personal significance of his discoveries.
Moreover, Kemp uncovers more adventurous tales from his family tree, including a four-times-great-grandfather who joined the Marines at the tender age of 13 and served as a drummer boy during the Napoleonic Wars. These stories of bravery and resilience illustrate the rich tapestry of Kemp's heritage.
As Kemp investigates his roots, he also introduces viewers to his devoted parents, who played a significant role in nurturing his love for travel and adventure. They share their own stories of enduring love and the serendipitous way they met, adding a heartwarming dimension to the episode.
The episode of Who Do You Think You Are? featuring Ross Kemp is not just a journey into the past; it is a poignant exploration of identity, family, and the legacies that shape us. Kemp's emotional revelations and the dramatic tales of his ancestors offer a compelling narrative that resonates with viewers, drawing them into the complexities of family history.
Who Do You Think You Are? continues to air weekly on Tuesdays at 9 PM on BBC One and iPlayer, featuring a stellar lineup of celebrities uncovering their family histories. This season includes appearances from other notable figures, such as Andrew Garfield and Mishal Husain, making it a must-watch for fans of genealogy and history.
As Ross Kemp's episode airs tonight, audiences can look forward to an engaging blend of drama, emotion, and historical discovery, showcasing how the past can inform and enrich our understanding of ourselves today.
