Ross Kemp joins the Royal British Legion for London Poppy Day
The actor and recent faithful on The Celebrity Traitors said he was honoured to help with fundraising efforts.
EastEnders actor Ross Kemp has joined forces with the Royal British Legion to help raise funds for the Poppy appeal.
Kemp said he was “honoured” to mark the 20th anniversary of London Poppy Day, the capital’s annual fundraising event for the armed forces community.
It's hoped teams will help to raise over £1 million for the charity in just 24 hours.
Launching the appeal aboard a Thames Clippers service on the River Thames – a first for the event – Kemp joined in on the city-wide fundraising effort that will see nearly 2,500 armed forces personnel and volunteers collect donations at stations, transport hubs and other busy locations across the capital.
Kemp said in a statement: “I’m honoured to be back and supporting the Royal British Legion’s London Poppy Day this year. Twenty years of fundraising in the capital is a fantastic milestone, and it’s always a pleasure to see so many people coming together to support the Armed Forces community.
“I’d encourage everyone in London to get behind this year’s Poppy Appeal, give what they can and help the Royal British Legion continue its vital work supporting serving personnel, veterans and their families.”
Donations from London Poppy Day and the Poppy Appeal raise funds to support the armed forces community, including serving personnel, veterans and their families throughout their lives.
The campaign encourages the public to wear a poppy to send a personal message of thanks and recognition to those who have served.
Mayor of London Sadiq Khan said: “I’m delighted to support London Poppy Day as we mark the 20th anniversary of this important event in our capital.
“This is the biggest one-day city collection of its kind in Europe, and I’d like to thank all the Armed Forces personnel and Poppy Appeal collectors who will be out fundraising across the city.
“I hope Londoners will once again show their generosity and help the Royal British Legion continue its vital work supporting veterans, serving personnel and their families.”
Military bands and choirs will be performing at nearly 22 stations including Waterloo, Liverpool Street, Euston and London Bridge.
Commuters will also hear a specially recorded Tannoy announcement from award-winning singer and musical theatre star, Dame Elaine Paige, inviting them to get involved.
Lucy Inskip, the Royal British Legion’s Poppy Appeal director, said: “Every poppy worn and every donation given helps us be there for the Armed Forces community, from serving personnel and veterans to the loved ones who share the challenges and sacrifices of service.
“As London Poppy Day marks its 20th anniversary, I hope people across the capital will get involved, enjoying the various military bands and choirs performing across major stations across London and give what they can.”
Launched in 2006, London Poppy Day has grown into Europe’s largest one-day street collection.
In 2025, the event raised £1.478 million for the RBL’s Poppy Appeal, helping fund life-changing support for serving personnel, veterans and their families.
The RBL supports armed forces families from day one of service throughout their lives, providing guidance during deployment, helping with financial hardship, support after a bereavement, or caring for a loved one in old age.