EastEnders bosses confirmed on New Year’s Day that Ross Kemp will reprise his iconic role as Grant Mitchell for the show’s 40th-anniversary celebrations. The soap legend will return to Walford after an eight-year absence, having last been seen departing for Portugal.
As one half of the notorious Mitchell brothers, Grant and his sibling Phil (played by Steve McFadden) have been at the centre of some of the most unforgettable storylines since the 1990s. The Mitchell brothers have endured their fair share of hardships, including bidding farewell to their mother Peggy (the late Dame Barbara Windsor).
Currently, Phil is struggling with a heart-wrenching plot twist, succumbing to loneliness and seemingly battling depression. The show has also recently seen the surprise return of Nigel Bates (played by Paul Bradley), an old friend of the Mitchells, who has revealed his own personal demons.
Although the reason for Grant’s return remains under wraps, soap bosses have teased that the upcoming scenes will be “explosive” as the show builds up to its 40th-anniversary episodes in February. Since his exit in September 2016 following Peggy’s death, Grant has been living in Portugal.
Ross Kemp is reprising his role as Grant Mitchell in EastEnders
(Image: BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron)
Nevertheless, fans will be thrilled to hear that he is set for a “brief comeback” early in the New Year for a reunion with Phil and Nigel. Additionally, Grant will discover that his former partner Sharon (Letitia Dean) has embarked on a romance with his long-lost cousin Teddy Mitchell (Roland Manookian), reports the Daily Star.
Ross Kemp, who portrays Grant, has teased a dramatic EastEnders return and promised viewers some thrilling “action”.
Ross said: “I’m delighted to be returning to EastEnders as the show heads towards its 40th anniversary. EastEnders has always meant so much to me, so to return as the show is about to celebrate such a special anniversary, is an absolute honour. Grant has never been far from the action and let’s just say, this time is no different as he certainly comes back with a bang.”
Joining the excitement, Chris Clenshaw, the soap’s executive producer, added: “We are absolutely thrilled to welcome Ross Kemp back to EastEnders as he reprises the legendary role of Grant Mitchell.”
“While I’m not currently revealing exactly what brings Grant back to Walford, I can say that his return will play a significant part in the show’s 40th anniversary, and will makeup many moments of truly unmissable TV.”
Ross Kemp is reprising his role as Grant Mitchell in EastEnders
(Image: BBC/Nicky Johnston)