Tough-talking EastEnders' star Ross Kemp has waded into the battle over the Palace Theatre, Westcliff, with an impassioned plea for its future.

Ross, who plays Grant Mitchell, returned to his roots to try and safeguard the London Road theatre, where he began his professional career.

He said: "Every big town has its own theatre. If this closes, where are people going to go?

"They only way they will be able to get entertainment is by watching a glass box in the living room, or paying lots of money to go to London or the nearest other conurbation. It's a very important place for the community. It's a meeting place.

"The Cliffs Pavilion is not really a theatre, it's a venue. Other places like Ipswich and Watford get money for their theatres. What's wrong with Southend?"

The Palace is to close on March 13 and staff are being made redundant. It is due to re-open in December and stars are rallying to support the theatre and make sure it does.

Ross was fresh out of drama school when he was hired by Palace Theatre artistic director, Chris Dunham in 1985. He learned his craft and gained an Equity card.

Ross, now watched by millions, also appeared as a pink munchkin in the Wizard of Oz at the Palace, and with the theatre's own educational wing called Palace Go Round, which toured to local schools.

Campaign group, Action for the Palace Theatre is fighting for the theatre to return with its status maintained as a fully professional producing house.

Chairman Phil Giles said: "We have been talking to the board of trustees, the council and Eastern Arts Board.

"Everyone seems to be saying there needs to be a viable business plan, but it seems to be a long time in coming."

It was promised by the end of February but there has been no announcement yet. Meanwhile the Palace Theatre Trust has advertised for companies interested in running the theatre, and several - both national and local - have come forward.

Back to his roots - Ross Kemp discusses the theatre's future with artistic director Chris Dunham Picture: ROBIN WOOSEY

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