Ross Kemp Shares Emotional Update as His Mother Jean is Rushed to Hospital, Missing England’s Bronze Medal Clash Against France

Actor Ross Kemp has opened up about a personal family emergency, revealing that his mother, Jean, was urgently taken to hospital. The 61-year-old star, famous for his passionate support of the England national team, announced via Instagram Stories on Saturday that he would not be watching the Three Lions’ third-place play-off against France. The match ultimately ended in a thrilling 6-4 victory for England, securing their best World Cup finish since 1966.

Known for his energetic and often explosive reactions during England matches, Kemp prioritized family above all else, choosing to stay by his mother’s side rather than tune into the game. In his heartfelt message, he expressed hope for an England win while emphasizing life’s true priorities. “I hope they win but there are some things, like your mum, that are more important than football,” he said. He added encouraging words for the team: “Come on England. We’ll be back there in four years’ time and hopefully we’ll win.”

This touching family moment comes amid Kemp’s recent high-profile displays of support for the national side throughout the 2026 World Cup. Earlier in the tournament, the EastEnders legend delighted fans with his wild, over-the-top celebrations that quickly went viral. Following England’s 3-2 victory over Mexico that propelled them into the quarter-finals, Kemp took to Instagram to share an exuberant reaction. In the clip, he could be heard shouting passionately while professing his admiration for star performer Jude Bellingham, who scored twice in the match.

“Come on England, come on England. You just keep it calm. Keep it calm. Go… two!!! Come on England. Shut them up. Shut that crowd up, shut everybody up…” Kemp roared. He continued enthusiastically: “Come on England, come on England. Jude, Jude, Jude, Juuuude. I love you. Love you. Keep cool heads, keep cool heads and we will shut them out.”

Fans responded with overwhelming positivity to the video. Many commented that his reaction perfectly captured the collective excitement of supporters, with remarks like “amazing. Spot on Ross…” and “Yes Ross!!! We were all thinking of you during that!” flooding in.

Just days before that, Kemp had already captured attention with another fiery response to England’s 2-1 win against the Democratic Republic of Congo. In that clip, shared with his approximately 200,000 Instagram followers, the actor — best remembered for playing the tough character Grant Mitchell in the long-running BBC soap EastEnders — delivered an intense, coarse outburst filled with screams and visible excitement directed at captain Harry Kane.

Viewers immediately drew comparisons to his iconic soap role, flooding the comments section with humorous references. Phrases such as “Grant Mitchell has entered the chat…” and “This is definitely Grant, not Ross here…” dominated the discussion. Some lightheartedly urged him to “calm down,” while others jokingly suggested he join the England setup as an assistant manager. The video’s reach extended beyond social media, with singer and football pundit Olly Murs even performing a hilarious impression of Kemp’s rant during a segment on talkSPORT after presenter Andy Goldstein prompted him to reenact it.

These passionate outbursts have endeared Kemp to a new generation of football fans while reminding longtime EastEnders viewers of the fiery persona that made Grant Mitchell a household name. His authentic, no-holds-barred enthusiasm stands in contrast to more reserved celebrity supporters, making his reactions particularly shareable and entertaining.

Beyond football, Ross Kemp recently made headlines for a nostalgic reunion with his on-screen brother Steve McFadden. The pair, who portrayed the iconic Mitchell brothers Grant and Phil in the soap, enjoyed a rare day out together on a boat. In a video posted to Instagram, Kemp announced, “The Mitchell brothers are reunited, but this time on the river!” while McFadden, 67, chimed in with “Ahoy there, ahoy there!” The post, simply captioned “The Mitchell brothers are reunited,” sparked a wave of affection from fans who described the duo as “iconic” and credited them with unlocking cherished childhood memories.

Now, amid these celebratory moments in his public life, Kemp faces a more private challenge with his mother’s hospitalization. His decision to step away from watching the bronze medal match underscores a clear message about priorities. While England delivered an exciting 6-4 win over France in Miami — a result that capped their strongest World Cup campaign in decades — Kemp remained focused on supporting his family.

The actor’s long-standing connection to England football has been a consistent thread in recent years. His enthusiastic support during the 2026 tournament added color and personality to the national conversation around the team’s progress. From quarter-final celebrations to passionate calls for composure on the pitch, Kemp’s videos have provided light-hearted entertainment for fans navigating the emotional highs and lows of international competition.

As the Three Lions concluded their World Cup journey on a high with third place, many supporters expressed appreciation for celebrities like Kemp who embody the spirit of dedicated fandom. His absence from viewing the France match was met with understanding messages from followers, who sent well-wishes to his mother Jean and praised his values.

In the entertainment and sports worlds, moments like these remind audiences that public figures experience the same family concerns as everyone else. Kemp’s transparency in sharing the update via Instagram Stories allowed fans to stay informed while respecting the private nature of the situation.

Looking ahead, the actor will likely continue balancing his acting career, personal life, and passionate football support. With the next major tournament four years away, he has already voiced optimism about England’s future chances. For now, his focus remains where it matters most — with his family during a difficult time.

Ross Kemp’s blend of fierce on-screen presence, genuine fan enthusiasm, and heartfelt family values has solidified his place as a beloved personality. Whether delivering memorable rants as a superfan or prioritizing loved ones in times of need, he continues to resonate with audiences across generations. As England celebrates their bronze medal success, Kemp’s message serves as a gentle reminder that while football brings immense joy, nothing surpasses the importance of family.