Ross Kemp has shared the heartbreaking news that his dear father, John Kemp, has passed away at the age of 88.

The EastEnders icon, aged 61, honoured his late father with a touching social media post ahead of his funeral.

He described his dad as his “hero and role model”.

Accompanied by a monochrome photo of his father in military attire, Ross penned: “John Kemp 1937–2025.

“Served his country, served his community, served his family.

“My hero. Love you always, Dad.”

The actor and documentary presenter also reminisced about some of his father’s finest attributes, stating: “Burying my Dad tomorrow. My hero, my role model and a great dancer!”.

The poignant message prompted a flood of sympathy from fans and fellow actors.

EastEnders legend Patsy Palmer wrote: “Sending love to you & your family.”

Fellow EastEnders star James Farrar commented: “Mate. What beautiful words. For a beautiful bloke.”

And EastEnders actress Dianne Parish, who plays Denise Fox, added: “So sorry for your loss.”

Ross became emotional when he discovered more about his family history on BBC show Who Do You Think You Are?

He travelled to Morocco to learn more about his maternal great-grandfather Arthur Chalmers – or Pop – a sailor with muscly arms.

He also discovered his great-great-great-great grandfather on his father’s side, Jeremiah Whall, became a Royal Marine drummer in 1803, aged just 13, beating vital semaphore messages to other Allied troops as they protected colonial trade interests at the height of the Napoleonic Wars.

In 1809, he was involved in fierce combat, helping to capture the island of Martinique from the French.

“Apparently, he walked as if he was still on the ship – one step forward and two steps sideways,” says Ross. “He tried to pawn his watch to the milkman a day before he died to put money on a horse.”

“Both Pop and Jeremiah were men who didn’t like to sit still for too long, so maybe I get a bit of that from them.”