ROSS’ SHORT SHARP SHOCK
ROSS KEMP experiences life behind bars in a notorious Scottish prison
Ross Kemp Behind Bars: Inside Barlinnie
Thursday, ITV HD, 9pm
IN HIS LATEST
investigation, Ross Kemp is banged up inside HMP Barlinnie in Glasgow, which houses some of the country’s most violent criminals.
We caught up with the former Eastenders star during visiting hours to find out more…
WHAT SORT OF PRISONERS DID YOU MEET?
A lot of the inmates are sex offenders.
I interviewed a schoolteacher who had been caught downloading child pornography, but didn’t think he’d done anything wrong. As a father, I found it upsetting. He wanted to shake my hand after the interview, but I refused.
WHAT WAS IT LIKE BEING ADMITTED TO BARLINNIE AS AN INMATE?
They march you in, strip you naked and give you your uniform. You feel very vulnerable and the process makes you realise that you’re no longer part of society.
WHAT STICKS IN YOUR MIND FROM THE EXPERIENCE?
I was working in the kitchen next to an inmate who had stabbed someone. The next day he wasn’t there. He’d attacked someone overnight. Everything can seem fine, and then in a split second it changes.
HOW DID THE PRISON OFFICERS
REACT TO YOU?
They were great and we got some amazing access – far more than I think we’d have got in any English or Welsh prison.
DID YOU EVER FEEL IN DANGER WHILE FILMING?
On one occasion a guy was giving me some abuse and the inmate I was with told him to be quiet and the guy shut up immediately. There’s definitely a hierarchy.
DID ANY OF THE PRISONERS TALK TO YOU ABOUT YOUR TV SHOWS?
A few asked about the documentaries I’ve made about gangs – and I got called Grant Mitchell a few times!