Walford’s prodigal son and original hard man Grant Mitchell (Ross Kemp) is returning to EastEnders later this month.
Kemp last slipped on Grant’s leather jacket in February 2025 as part of the BBC soap’s 40th anniversary celebrations, when he briefly returned amid concerns about brother Phil’s (Steve McFadden) deteriorating mental health.
He also shared scenes with Paul Bradley, who plays Grant’s old school mate Nigel Bates. Living with young-onset dementia, Nigel was offered a home at Grant’s villa in Portugal, though he chose to stay living with Phil.
It was revealed earlier this year that, with Nigel’s health rapidly deteriorating, he would be lured back to support him once more. Spoilers for next week’s episodes show that estranged son Mark Fowler (Stephen Aaron-Sipple) is the one to put in the call to Grant, despite Sam’s (Kim Medcalf) reluctance to see her brother.
The forthcoming episodes will be the first time Mark comes face-to-face with his father, having learned the truth about his parentage in 2016.
Speaking about stepping back into the role, Kemp said: “I’m truly delighted to be stepping back into Grant Mitchell’s shoes and returning to EastEnders later this year.
“As well as exploring Grant’s attempts to reconnect with his son Mark, it’s especially an honour to be part of Nigel’s powerful ongoing dementia storyline, which holds deep personal meaning for me due to a close family connection in real life.”
Radio Times can confirm that Kemp’s comeback scenes will air on Monday 27 April.
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New on-set photos show Grant with his siblings, the first time they have all been together since matriarch Peggy’s (Barbara Windsor) funeral a decade ago.
It’s also an off-screen reunion for Kemp and Medcalf, who are working together again after 20 years. Sam was portrayed by Danniella Westbrook the last time the characters shared a scene.
In another snap, which is taken in the kitchen of No 55 Victoria Road – home of the Mitchell clan for the last 16 years – Grant poses with Mark. Will they manage to form a relationship?
On the return, executive producer Ben Wadey said: “We are absolutely thrilled to welcome Ross back once more to the legendary role of Grant. The Mitchells remain one of EastEnders’ defining dynasties, and we can’t wait to see them reunited again.
“As always when Grant is around, drama inevitably follows him…”
Read more about Ross Kemp’s return to EastEnders in next week’s Radio Times magazine.
Read more:
- EastEnders reveals Vicki and Zack’s blackmailer in early BBC iPlayer release – and it’s not who you’d expect
- EastEnders blackmail intensifies as Vicki Fowler accuses innocent locals in early BBC iPlayer release
- EastEnders airs shock passion for Zack Hudson in early BBC iPlayer release – and it’s not Vicki Fowler
- 6 EastEnders spoilers next week: Ravi Gulati’s mental health worsens and Grant Mitchell return teased
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