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ROSS Kemp is set to explore one of the most alarming issues confronting today’s youth—the alarming emergence of child incels and the increasing sway of “the manosphere.” For years, Kemp has established himself as one of Britain’s most intrepid documentary filmmakers, fearlessly delving into topics others often avoid.
In his latest endeavor, Kemp will investigate the shadowy realm of incels, a community that has gained notoriety for its dangerous and misogynistic ideologies. From street gangs and drug trafficking organizations to the grim realities of modern slavery and conflict zones, the EastEnders icon has built a reputation for tackling subjects that many prefer to keep at arm’s length. Now, he is turning his attention to a disturbing trend that affects the lives of many young people today.
The rise of incels has recently been thrust into the public consciousness, notably through Netflix’s harrowing drama Adolescence, a series that starkly illustrates the radicalization of young boys by misogynistic online communities. Real-life tragedies, such as the brutal murder committed by Kyle Clifford against his ex-girlfriend Louise Hunt and her family, underscore the lethal repercussions of this toxic ideology. With this pressing issue in mind, Kemp is determined to investigate further—if he can secure the necessary funding for the documentary.
Kemp has been deeply researching the topic, but as he knows all too well, transforming an idea into a fully realized documentary is no simple task. “We’ve been investigating this for a significant amount of time, but getting it commissioned is a different story,” he remarks.
When Adolescence premiered, it struck a chord with the father of four. The series, featuring Stephen Graham, narrates the tale of an ordinary family torn apart by the incel subculture, highlighting how easily impressionable young boys can be drawn into these toxic online spaces. “I thought it was brilliant,” Kemp states. “The way incels and the issues surrounding them have been brought to the public’s attention is remarkable. It’s something my team and I have been examining for quite a while, and while I haven’t been able to produce a documentary on it yet, I remain hopeful.”
The gravity of the issue is further amplified by its persistence. “I believe this is one of the most significant challenges facing young people today. And it’s not solely boys who are affected—while boys are often the aggressors, girls bear the brunt of the consequences. As a father to both daughters and sons, this is a topic that weighs heavily on my mind,” he emphasizes.
Kemp’s concerns extend beyond incel communities to the broader implications of social media. Having gained fame as Grant Mitchell in EastEnders, he is acutely aware of the dangers that the digital age poses to young minds. “Young people today are more vulnerable than ever. They’re navigating a very delicate stage in their lives, grappling with self-image issues as they go through puberty,” he explains. “We face a significant challenge in encouraging kids to come out of their rooms and engage in safe environments where they can simply enjoy each other’s company without fear of bullying or social competition based on appearances or material possessions.”
“Those insecurities can lead individuals to seek identity in harmful places. As adults, we need to be vigilant about what is happening online and also think critically about how we can help young people connect in real life, face-to-face, rather than through a screen,” he urges.
As a concerned parent, Kemp takes the threats posed by the online world very seriously. He actively monitors his eldest child’s phone activity and advocates for stricter regulations to shield young people from harmful content. “This is something we all need to take seriously. The online space is largely unregulated, filled with opinions that can easily mislead,” he asserts. “I’ve experienced it firsthand with my older child; I keep a close eye on what he downloads and what he accesses online, as does his mother. In our household, we’ve implemented a no-phones policy at school. If a phone is brought to school, it should be stored away unless it’s needed for emergencies.”
Kemp recently spoke with The Sun while promoting the importance of managing energy consumption through smart meters, stating, “The average family can save around £140 a year, but the savings can be even greater—it really depends on how you manage it.” He recounted a personal experience: “One summer, one of my kids turned on an electronic towel radiator in a rarely used room. It was like burning £5 notes every 30 minutes! I genuinely believe smart meters are beneficial—they provide accurate readings and help identify appliances that can be switched off to save energy.”