EastEnders fans were sent into a frenzy as the legendary Grant Mitchell made his thunderous return to Walford — and true to form, it was anything but quiet. Viewers were treated to a whirlwind of intense emotion, fiery confrontations, and explosive drama that reminded everyone why Grant remains one of the most unforgettable characters in the soap’s history.

After years away from Albert Square, Grant re-emerged during one of the most turbulent times for the Mitchell family. His latest stint was laced with emotional landmines and tested every facet of the hardened character we thought we knew. From gun-wielding showdowns to heart-wrenching revelations, Grant’s comeback shook the very foundations of EastEnders.

Right from the start, Grant was thrown into the fire. His return coincided with his brother Phil’s deteriorating mental health, which culminated in a deeply disturbing plot where Phil nearly took his own life. The storyline built steadily over several weeks, with viewers watching Phil spiral out of control. In a gripping moment that aired during the show’s monumental 40th anniversary episode, Grant had to step in and physically wrestle a Beretta 9mm pistol out of Phil’s hands — a harrowing reminder of the dangers lurking beneath the Mitchell family’s tough exterior.

But that was just the beginning.

While trying to support his brother, Grant found himself entangled in a messy love triangle that no one saw coming. His old flame Sharon Watts was back in the picture, reigniting feelings Grant had buried long ago. However, complications arose when Grant learned that Sharon was romantically involved with Teddy Mitchell, a newly revealed cousin Grant had only just discovered. What started as a spark between old lovers quickly spiraled into betrayal, jealousy, and emotional chaos.

To make matters worse, Grant received devastating news about one of his closest friends, Nigel Bates, who had been diagnosed with dementia. The emotional blow hit Grant hard, adding another layer of heartbreak to an already volatile return. Balancing grief, guilt, and romantic confusion, it became clear that Grant wasn’t just back for a friendly visit — he was being emotionally dismantled at every turn.

Actor Ross Kemp, who’s famously portrayed Grant since 1990, opened up about how the intense return left him “fried.” Speaking to Radio Times, Kemp explained how the emotionally charged scenes affected him, saying, “It was wonderful, but you come away from it slightly fried. Grant comes back and within a minute he’s fighting, he’s crying, he’s making love, then he’s crying about it, then he’s fighting again. He’s never just sat in the launderette.”

Indeed, Grant’s return was far from casual. His first scene alone was a gut-punch — storming into the Arches and physically disarming Phil during his darkest moment. It wasn’t the usual stroll into the Queen Vic for a drink or a cheeky bacon roll. It was an all-out emotional brawl that put Grant at the center of the storm.

What truly set this return apart, though, was the depth of vulnerability Grant showed. Fans have long known him as the tough-as-nails Mitchell brother, but this storyline peeled back the layers to reveal a man struggling with pain, loss, and identity. Despite the fights and flirtations, Grant spent much of his time in Walford navigating grief, rekindled love, and the pressures of a fractured family.

And yet, despite all the chaos, Kemp admitted he loved stepping back into the role that made him a household name. “I think a part of me is Grant, and part of Grant is me,” he said. “It was great to put the leather jacket on again — and also a relief that I could still get in it,” he joked, showing that even amid the emotional toll, some things never change.

As his return arc reached its dramatic peak, fans were left wondering what lies ahead for Grant. With emotional wounds reopened, family ties tested, and bullets narrowly avoided, it’s clear that Grant’s time in Walford is far from over. And if this explosive return is anything to go by, the next time he walks back into the Square, all hell might break loose — again.