EASTENDERS hard man Ross Kemp was keeping quiet about his decision to quit the soap when he appeared at a Sussex nightclub last night.

Ross, who plays Grant Mitchell, made a personal appearance at Kings nightclub in Eastbourne, attracting hundreds of fans.

But he refused to talk to reporters about yesterday's revelation that he is to leave the soap and take up a £1 million contract with London Weekend Television.

Ross entertained the crowd with comic impressions of his screen character and signed autographs.

Sarah Wallis, 26, a hairdresser, of Carlisle Road, Eastbourne, said: "I have been watching EastEnders for years and Grant has always been my favourite character.

"He might be a bit of a wild man on the screen, but I think he's big softie and I'll really miss him."

Lisa Barret, 31, of Langney Road, Eastbourne, said: "I know I'll shed some tears when Grant finally leaves.

"I don't know if I'll carry on watching without him."

Ross, 34, has played Grant for 10 years. He will film his last scenes in August.

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