EastEnders legend Ross Kemp makes acting comeback after seven years for new cop role

Ronnie hardman Ross Kemp is ready to make his comeback after seven years away from acting, starring in a new Channel Five thriller as a detective

Ex-Eastender Ross Kemp returns to acting after seven years to star in a drama for Channel Five.

He will play Detective Tony Warden in the four-part thriller Blindspot.

Ross, 58, host of the BBC quiz show Bridge of Lies, is cast alongside newcomer Beth Alsbury who plays Hannah, a disabled woman who believes she witnessed the prelude to a murder while keeping CCTV on a gritty estate.

Hannah puts her own life in danger as she fights to discover what really happened in the blind spot.

Meanwhile, British astronaut Tim Peake will explore the mysteries of our universe – from the planets in our solar system and the galaxies beyond for a three-part series called Secrets of Our Universe.

In 2015, Tim became the first Briton to live on the International Space Station. It is now Tim’s mission to share the wonder of space and his own very unique experiences, exploring the great cosmic questions and bringing the answers to life through a variety of amazing locations and compelling CGI and archival footage.

Tim said: “Space travel has been a lifelong passion for me and to be able to share my personal experiences and the knowledge I’ve gained with the Channel 5 audience is beyond exciting!

“There is always so much more to learn and discover – we will never really know everything there is to know about the universe – but it is endlessly fascinating to me and to people around the world, and I am excited to continue my journey to unravel its mysteries.”

The decision to present a new TV series comes just days after he announced that he had officially retired as an astronaut from the European Space Agency (ESA). He remains ambassador to the ESA.

In another new program revealed for Channel Five, Ruby Wax finds herself stranded on a deserted island in a new two-part survival series Ruby Wax Castaway.

Ruby said, “When people expect Love Island, imagine how disappointed they’ll be… I like to do things that surprise me.

“I’m used to doing something a little hardcore. I know what it’s like in the beginning, it’s hell, but by the end you find out why you did it. That could happen…or I could sue the production company. “

Michael Palin is also returning to work with Channel Five for a new documentary series, having traveled with them to Iraq for a series last year.

Closer to home, Repair Shop star Jay Blades steps back in time to learn about the extraordinary history of London’s East End – the area where he grew up – in Jay Blades: History of the East End.

All new series will be part of the 2023 schedule in the coming months.

Channel 5 is part of Paramount Global and Paramount’s Chief Content Officer, UK, Ben Frow said, “Our aim is to deliver an exciting, diverse and eclectic programme.”