Ross Kemp has revealed that he is living in fear of being kidnapped due to the high-risk nature of his shows.

Since quitting EastEnders, the actor-turned-documentary-maker has filmed series on dangerous subjects including criminal gangs, Somali pirates and the war in Afghanistan.

“Big concern”: Ross Kemp filmed with troops in Afghanistan

He recently signed a two-year deal to make factual programmes for Sky, but admits they have to be kept secret because of fears for the safety of him and his crew.

Kemp's comments come just days after British journalist Stephen Farrell was freed in a daring raid by special forces in Afghanistan in which a paratrooper and an interpreter were killed.

The 45-year-old said: “It's a big concern now, not just for me, but for my cameraman, my sound man — I know they've got families too. The threat is always there, because we're going to meet people who kidnap for a living, so it's always in the back of my mind.”

Kemp said he is about to start shooting a new documentary for Sky One, and added: “I'm going somewhere soon but I can't tell you where, because basically we've become a victim of our own success as the kidnap threat we face is very high.

“We can't advertise where we are going beforehand now, we are having to wait until we get back.”

He also revealed that he has visited MPs at the Houses of Parliament to brief them on the information his programmes have uncovered on conditions for British troops on the frontline in Afghanistan.