Eastenders' bad boy Grant Mitchell lived up to his reputation when he visited a packed pub in Walton.

Hundreds of soap fans were at the Sanctuary Bar for its official opening on Wednesday night.

Actor Ross Kemp, who plays Grant, signed autographs and had his picture taken with fans.

However, he also arrived an hour late, refused to give interviews and only spent half an hour signing for his fans. Reaction was mixed among pubgoers.

Annette Duller, 41, of Brightlingsea, said the visit had been a "let-down" while Sarah Haze, 33, of Clacton, added: "He could have put a bit more effort in. It's as if he doesn't want to be here."

However, she did add: "I still think he's lovely though."

But Julie Fairweather and Ivy Preston, whose step-uncle used to write scripts for the hit show, waited six hours to see their idol.

They, and friends Sarah Bird, Sara Harding and Maureen Bird from the Arden Park Nursing Home in Clacton, were impressed by the visit.

Performing arts student Abbey McImerney, 18, of Frinton, joked: "I'm not leaving here until I've got a part in the show."

One of those to travel the farthest to see Ross was Kay Johnson and her friends, who drove from Surrey.

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