Ross Kemp’s new dangerous prisons docu-series halts filming after ‘incident’

“Unforseen production challenges” have been blamed for the delay in filming Ross Kemp’s latest show  (Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images)
“Unforseen production challenges” have been blamed for the delay in filming Ross Kemp’s latest show (Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images)

Production on Ross Kemp’s new Channel 5 series exploring the world’s most dangerous prisons has been halted following a reported incident.

The former EastEnders actor-turned-documentary-maker, 59, had already begun filming Ross Kemp: 72 Hours In… with a schedule in South America planned up until Christmas.

According to Deadline, it has now been put on hold following an “incident”, with talks ongoing between both the documentary’s producers and the Paramount UK network as they look to get things back on track.

A Channel 5 spokesman told the Standard: “Filming had begun on the series, but due to unforeseen production challenges, we have made the practical decision to halt filming at the moment.”

The actor said the show would see him “going even further than before” (PA Archive)
The actor said the show would see him “going even further than before” (PA Archive)

The eight-part series was first announced by the broadcaster in July with a synopsis teasing that cameras would follow Kemp as he “goes behind bars in some of the world’s most high-security, high-risk prisons housing gang leaders, serial killers, violent criminals, drug lords and mass murderers”.

Speaking about the show in a press release, Kemp said: “I’ve been to some of the toughest prisons in the UK and all around the world.

“I thought I’d experienced it all, and taken every adventure, but this time we’re going even further than before!

“I’m looking forward to my first documentary series with Channel 5 and taking you all on this journey with me.”