It’s been nearly a decade since Ross Kemp, known for playing EastEnders’ most notorious hardman Grant Mitchell, graced our screens.
Now, at 60, Kemp is set to make an explosive return to Albert Square as the BBC soap gears up to celebrate its 40th anniversary.
Grant Mitchell, one half of the iconic Mitchell brothers and the beloved son of Peggy Mitchell—played by the late Dame Barbara Windsor—has been a fan favorite since his debut nearly 35 years ago.
Reflecting on his return, Kemp shared, “EastEnders has always meant so much to me.
Coming back for such a special milestone is an absolute honor.
Grant has never been far from the action, and let’s just say this time is no different—he’s definitely coming back with a bang!”
A Legacy of Drama and Intrigue
Grant Mitchell has been at the center of some of the most memorable storylines in EastEnders history.
Who could forget the explosive reveal of his brother Phil’s affair with his wife Sharon in 1994, the tragic death of his second wife Tiffany on New Year’s Eve 1998, or the infamous Mitchell brothers’ car crash in 1999?
Though Kemp’s original run as Grant lasted from 1990 to 1999, he has returned to Walford twice before—first in 2005 and again in 2016 for Dame Barbara Windsor’s final scenes.
Grant’s last storyline saw him heading to Portugal with his daughter Courtney, leaving fans wondering if he’d ever come back to the Square.
From Hardman to Documentarian
Outside of EastEnders, Ross Kemp has carved out a successful career as a documentary filmmaker, delving into the criminal underworld with series like Ross Kemp on Gangs, which earned him a BAFTA.
But despite his work exploring real-life drama, Kemp’s return to fiction as Grant Mitchell is generating major buzz.
BBC bosses are keeping his storyline under wraps for now, but Executive Producer Chris Clenshaw has promised fans that Grant’s return will play a pivotal role in the 40th-anniversary celebrations.
“We’re thrilled to welcome Ross Kemp back,” Clenshaw said.
“While I can’t reveal exactly why Grant is back in Walford, I can say his return will deliver some unforgettable moments.”
A Dramatic Anniversary Awaits
The 40th-anniversary episode, set to air in February, is shaping up to be one of EastEnders’ most dramatic yet.
Recent photos from the show’s new £87 million set reveal a Queen Vic in chaos—windows blown out, rubble strewn across the streets, and even what looks like blood on the pavement.
The explosive storyline is expected to reignite interest in the BBC’s flagship soap after years of declining viewership.
An insider revealed, “Producers are pulling out all the stops.
Fans can expect to see some familiar faces making surprise appearances.”
Among those rumored to return is Paul Bradley as the lovable Nigel Bates, joining Ross Kemp in what promises to be an unforgettable celebration.
Nostalgia Meets High Stakes
As EastEnders gears up for this milestone, the stakes couldn’t be higher.
The show has a legacy of delivering iconic episodes, and the 40th anniversary aims to rank among its best.
With a mix of nostalgic callbacks and high-octane drama, the special promises to keep fans on the edge of their seats.
For now, viewers can only speculate about what brings Grant back to Walford and how his return will shake up life in Albert Square.
One thing’s for sure—when Grant Mitchell is involved, it’s bound to be explosive.
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