Eastenders' hard man Ross Kemp is making a controversial channel switch in a reported £1.2 million deal.
The Albert Square star, who plays Grant Mitchell in the BBC soap, is said to have dedicated the next ten years to rival channel ITV.
Believed to have been house-hunting in south Essex, the 34-year-old actor recently gave his support to a campaign to save the stricken Palace Theatre. He visited the Westcliff venue earlier this month.
The star is one of the longest serving members of the EastEnders' cast and started his successful career when he trod the boards at the theatre in 1985.
Kemp, who is said to be in line for several major drama roles on ITV, said: "I'm going to miss playing Grant. I've grown to love him over the last ten years.
"You could say we've been through a lot together. Two marriages, a divorce, countless affairs - including the mother-in-law - children, prison, endless fights and a lot of crying."
Channel switch - Ross Kemp
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