One of Britain’s most recognisable actors and broadcasters, Ross Kemp, is coming to Aberdeen for an exclusive live interview at the Music Hall.
The EastEnders star and award-winning documentary maker will take to the stage in January as part of the Ultimate Masterclass Festival, just months after entering television’s most famous castle as a contestant on The Celebrity Traitors.
Kemp is among 21 famous faces taking part in the new series of the hit BBC show, which sees celebrities attempt to uncover the Traitors hiding among them while competing to win up to £100,000 for charity.
But his appearance on one of Britain’s biggest television programmes is just the latest chapter in a remarkable career spanning more than three decades.
Kemp became a household name as Grant Mitchell in EastEnders, forming one half of the soap’s legendary Mitchell brothers and becoming one of British television’s most recognisable actors.
He later reinvented himself as an investigative journalist and documentary maker, travelling to some of the world’s most dangerous places to report on gangs, conflict, crime and poverty.
His acclaimed series Ross Kemp on Gangs won a BAFTA, while Ross Kemp in Afghanistan saw him embedded with British troops on the frontline in Helmand Province.
He has since fronted documentaries from across the world, exploring everything from organised crime and piracy to homelessness, prisons and the impact of war.
During his live interview in Aberdeen, Kemp will reflect on his extraordinary journey from Albert Square to some of the most dangerous places on earth, the risks and realities of making documentaries in hostile environments and the people and experiences that have shaped his career.
And, fresh from his appearance on The Celebrity Traitors, audiences can also expect to hear about what it was like entering the castle and taking part in the ultimate game of trust, deception and betrayal.
Ryan Crighton, host of UMF, said: “Ross Kemp is one of those rare people who has had two completely different careers and been hugely successful in both.
“For millions of people he will always be Grant Mitchell, one of the most iconic characters in British television. But what he did next was arguably even more remarkable, completely reinventing himself and going into some of the most dangerous places in the world to tell important stories.
“And now a whole new audience is going to see another side of him on The Celebrity Traitors. We’re announcing this on the night the new series begins, and I suspect a lot of people watching at home will be very excited by the chance to see Ross live in Aberdeen in January.
"He has an incredible catalogue of stories to draw on and I think this will be a fascinating, funny and completely unpredictable evening.”
Vikki Thom, Head of Business Development and Marketing at Boskalis Subsea Services, added: “We’re delighted to continue supporting the Ultimate Masterclass Festival and to help bring another major name to Aberdeen.
“Ross Kemp has built an extraordinary career through courage, curiosity and a willingness to step outside his comfort zone. His experiences span entertainment, journalism and some of the most challenging environments imaginable, and we’re looking forward to hearing the stories and lessons behind that journey.”
The Ultimate Masterclass Festival, delivered by Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber of Commerce and Boskalis Subsea Services, has become a flagship event for Aberdeen, attracting sell-out audiences and high-profile speakers from across sport, business, media and culture.
Previous editions have welcomed Sir Chris Hoy, Louis Theroux, Davina McCall, James Corden, Grace Beverley, Jamie Genevieve, Sir Mo Farah and Dr Julie Smith, with Melanie C appearing at the Music Hall this October.
An Evening with Ross Kemp takes place at Aberdeen Music Hall on 28 January 2027. Tickets on sale at www.umf.events.