It’s official – a New Year treat – Ross Kemp is staging a huge return to EastEnders as Grant Mitchell this year, after 9 years away.
The actor, 60, appeared as the Walford hard man on the long-running BBC drama intermittently between 1990 and 2016, and is now set to reprise the part for the upcoming 40th anniversary celebrations.
At the end of November, pictures showed him driving out of the soap’s Hertfordshire production base in a black car, and it has now officially been confirmed as to why!
Grant has a wealth of history in Albert Square, from his complex brotherhood with brother Phil (Steve McFadden) to a stormy relationship with ex-wife Sharon Watts (Letitia Dean).
It’s undoubtable that his big come-back will stir up old emotions as he catches up with familiar faces from times gone by.
His last stint saw him arrive for the mum Peggy’s (Barbara Windsor) final days and funeral, before discovering that Mark Fowler Jr (Ned Porteous) was his son.
Phil is currently struggling with loneliness, having fallen into a state of despair in recent months and refusing help from Sharon and best pal Nigel Bates (Paul Bradley).
With the soap promising that his return will be ‘nothing short of explosive’, Ross said: ‘I’m delighted to be returning to EastEnders as the show heads towards its 40th anniversary.
Grant will reunite with brother Phil (Picture: BBC Picture Archives)
He was last in Walford for mum Peggy’s funeral (Picture: BBC/Kieron McCarron)
‘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.’
Executive producer Chris Clenshaw teased: ‘We are absolutely thrilled to welcome Ross Kemp back to EastEnders as he reprises the legendary role of Grant Mitchell.
‘Whilst 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 make up many moments of truly unmissable TV.’
The big celebration will be marked with a special live episode as Billy and Honey Mitchell (Perry Fenwick and Emma Barton) are married, plus reports confirming that The Queen Vic pub will be blown up.
‘I can’t say too much, but it’s explosive,’ Chris added. ‘Apart from the live episode, we’ve pretty much shot most of it. It’s looking brilliant. Expect everything!’
Ian Beale star Adam Woodyatt elaborated on Chris’ comments, saying that viewers should ‘expect everything and more!’.’
‘The anniversary week is bonkers,’ he enthused. ‘I think I can safely say for all of us, we picked up the scripts and said, “What the f—?!”
‘It was literally “How the hell are we going to do this?” and we have. It is honestly brilliant.’
We couldn’t be more excited!
