Ross Kemp has spent much of the World Cup becoming one of England’s most passionate — and entertaining — celebrity supporters.

His explosive celebrations, emotional videos and unforgettable reactions have delighted fans throughout the tournament.

But on Saturday night, football suddenly became the last thing on his mind.

The 61-year-old EastEnders star revealed that his mother, Jean, had been taken to hospital with the help of paramedics, prompting him to step away from his usual England commentary as the Three Lions prepared to face France.

And in just a few heartfelt words, Ross explained exactly where his priorities lay.

“There are some things, like your mum, that are more important than football.”

It was a strikingly personal message from a man whose passionate support for England has become almost as much a part of the tournament as the matches themselves.

Ross Thanks Paramedics After His Mother Is Taken to Hospital

Ross shared the news with followers on Instagram, beginning his message by expressing his gratitude to the emergency workers who had helped his family.

“A huge thank you to the paramedics who have helped me get my mum to hospital,” he said.

He did not publicly disclose further details about what had happened to Jean or the reason she required hospital treatment.

Understandably, his attention was firmly focused on his mother.

Ross then told followers that they should not expect the usual stream of passionate football reactions from him that evening.

“Clearly, I will not be posting about the football,” he explained.

“That’s not because I don’t care. I love England and I hope they win.”

Then came the line that captured the emotion of the moment.

“But there are some things, like your mum, that are more important than football.”

For anyone who has followed Ross throughout England’s World Cup campaign, the significance of those words was impossible to miss.

This is, after all, a man who has thrown himself into supporting the national team with extraordinary enthusiasm.

But when family needed him, everything else immediately took second place.

“Come On, England”

Even while dealing with a worrying family situation, Ross still found a moment to send his support to the Three Lions.

“Come on, England,” he said.

“We’ll be back there in four years time and hopefully we’ll win.”

His message came as England faced France in the third-place play-off following the heartbreak of their 2-1 semi-final defeat to Argentina.

Ordinarily, fans might have expected Ross to be among the loudest voices reacting to every goal, tackle and dramatic moment.

Instead, he was where he felt he needed to be — focused on his mum.

It was a very different side of the actor and documentary maker from the one supporters had grown accustomed to seeing during the tournament.

From Viral Football Celebrations to a Serious Family Moment

Ross has become something of an unofficial social-media mascot for England thanks to his wildly enthusiastic reactions.

His videos have repeatedly attracted attention online, with the former EastEnders hardman shouting, pumping his fists and occasionally losing his shirt entirely as the tension of England matches became too much to contain.

During England’s memorable victory over Mexico at the Azteca, Ross could barely control his excitement.

After Jude Bellingham found the net, he erupted in front of his phone camera.

“Come on England, come on England,” he shouted, urging the team to remain calm even as he appeared anything but calm himself.

“You just keep it calm.”

Moments later, his emotions exploded again.

“Jude, Jude, Jude, Juuuude. I love you. Love you.”

It was classic Ross Kemp — intense, passionate and completely invested in the moment.

Similar scenes had followed England’s victory over DR Congo, helping turn his match reactions into must-watch viewing for many fans.

That is what made his latest message feel so different.

There were no roaring celebrations.

No fists pumping toward the camera.

No dramatic football commentary.

Just a son thinking about his mother.

Family Comes First

Ross’ decision not to post about the match carried a simple message that many followers could immediately understand.

Football may mean a great deal to him.

England may inspire extraordinary passion.

But family comes first.

His words — “some things, like your mum, are more important than football” — transformed what might normally have been another evening of sporting excitement into something far more personal.

For Ross, the match could wait.

His mother could not.

The actor did not provide further information about Jean’s condition in his initial message, meaning it would be inappropriate to speculate about the circumstances surrounding her hospital visit.

What was clear, however, was Ross’ gratitude toward the paramedics who helped get her the medical attention she needed.

His public thank-you also highlighted the role emergency workers can play during frightening moments for families — arriving when help is needed most and offering care during situations that can unfold without warning.

A Rarely Seen Side of Ross Kemp

Millions know Ross Kemp as Grant Mitchell, the formidable EastEnders character who made him one of British television’s most recognisable stars.

Others know him from his hard-hitting documentaries, which have taken him into dangerous and challenging environments around the world.

And a new generation of social-media users may