Brentwood's EastEnder's star Ross Kemp has been at the centre of a life-threatening health scare after fighting off the potentially fatal disease malaria.

The 34-year-old, who plays Grant Mitchell in the BBC soap, spent four days in the Princess Grace Hospital in London last week but was fit enough to be discharged on Monday.

The disease struck just days after Kemp performed the latest in a long line of charitable appearances, this time at St Francis Hospice, presenting prizes in its fundraising draw.

The ex-Shenfield School boy and member of Brentwood Rugby Club, developed symptoms of the non-contagious disease which it is believed he contracted on holiday in Tanzania last month.

Secretary of Brentwood Rugby Club, Paul Kehoe, told This Is Essex: "Everyone was extremely concerned when we heard that Ross had contracted malaria.

"Ironically the previous weekend he was with some of the guys from the rugby club and was complaining that he wasn't feeling well. We all wish him well very soon."

A spokesman for the private hospital said last week that Ross was responding well to treatment and was fit enough to be discharged.

So far his illness has not affected his role in the BBC soap.

A spokesman for the show said: "Ross is not expected in until today, but we are waiting to hear from his agent."

Carol Watkins, trust director of St Francis Hospice who met Ross at a special prize ceremony to celebrate 15 years of patient care, said he was nothing like his EastEnders character:

"He turned up early and was very delightful. He signed over 100 autographs for patients, staff and relatives and was here for about three hours.

''Everyone was delighted to see him and thanked him for coming. He did it out of the goodness of his heart and showed his caring side. He was pleased to support his local charity."

Ross presented the keys of a brand new Ford Ka, donated by Ford Motor Company to the Hospice in Havering-atte-Bower, to winner Liz Bloomfield, a civilian with the Metropolitan Police from Hornchurch. The draw raised £21,656.

l Malaria is a potentially fatal illness of tropical and sub-tropical regions. The disease is caused by a parasite which is transferred to human beings bitten by infected mosquitoes.

The disease is widespread in Africa and over one million people die of malaria every year on the continent. If it is treated in the early stages the chance of recovery are good.

Caring side: Before becoming ill with Malaria, Ross Kemp, alias Grant Mitchell, presented Liz Bloomfield (right), with the keys to her new Ford Ka which she won in the St Francis Hospice prize draw recently.

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