TV hardman and ex-EastEnders star Ross Kemp has revealed he would “never say never” to a comeback as Grant Mitchell.
The actor, who starred as landlord of the Queen Vic for eight years, hinted a return to Albert Square could be on the cards – after making his last appearance on the BBC soap in 2016.
It comes as Ross heads back to his old stomping ground – the ‘Great British Pub’ – to team up with beer giants Heineken on a mission to help Brits find the perfect pint.
The 59-year-old documentary maker has launched a miniseries uncovering what a quality serve looks like.
It comes as Heineken rolls out a cutting-edge SmartDispense system which chills beer from the keg to the tap.
Ross, who describes himself as a “regular pub-goer”, told The Sun: “Going to a Great British pub for a quality pint is ingrained in British culture, and when I heard there was technology enhancing the experience for consumers and landlords, I had to get involved.
“British pubs are so steeped in history, any changes can, naturally, be met with scepticism.
“I wanted to speak to landlords across the UK to learn first-hand about how the Heineken SmartDispense system has transformed their business, to educate both punters and publicans that the Great British pub can still retain its charm whilst embracing cutting edge technology, especially when it helps to deliver a perfect pint every time.”
The soap star admitted that despite playing the landlord of one of TV’s most famous pubs for eight years, the perfect pint is “the hardest thing to get right”.
He added: “It takes a clean and correctly branded glass, being served at the right temperature with the right carbonation and a full measure to be considered a perfect pint.
“I agree with this, which seems quite simple. But through this journey – I’ve learned that pouring the perfect pint really is a science.”
Ross is hoping the campaign will also encourage Brits back into the pub as the cost of a pint rises to £4.70.
He said: “When you buy a pint at a pub, you’re not only buying a beverage but investing in your local community just by being there.
“Pubs are the heart of every British town, village and city and need your support so get down to your local! Even if it is just for one.”
