Ross Kemp has bid farewell to Grant Mitchell after making a brief return to BBC’s leading soap opera, EastEnders, in what is set to be an ‘explosive’ storyline
An EastEnders legend has filmed their final scenes. Ross Kemp made a brief return to the BBC soap opera this year in what bosses promised to be an “explosive” storyline.
Kemp, known for playing hardman Grant Mitchell, initially returned last year as part of its 40th anniversary, in line with Nigel’s fears about Phil’s mental health. However, after jetting back to Portugal, the Mitchells were rocked when Mark Fowler Jr arrived, having discovered his biological dad was Grant.
While little was disclosed about Kemp’s return, he was spotted at a seaside resort alongside brother Phil and close friend Nigel. But it was Mark’s parentage which saw Kemp step back into the shoes of notorious gangster Grant.
But while fans have to wait a little longer for the scenes to play out, Ross has already filmed his final scenes for the soap. The actor walked out of the BBC’s Elstree studios and was greeted by a group of fans.
Despite his hardman image, Kemp seemed happy to pose for pictures and sign autographs for those waiting to meet the cast outside. But while Grant is known for his smart look and leather jacket, Ross opted for a more casual outfit: a pair of blue jeans and a black jacket, with a cap, as he made his way home.
Speaking about his return in February, 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.”
Meanwhile, show bosses said on social media: “Grant Mitchell is set to make a dramatic return to Walford this spring with Ross Kemp reprising the iconic role for a short stint. Grant was last seen in February 2025, returning briefly to Albert Square for the show’s 40th anniversary due to Nigel’s concerns about Phil’s deteriorating mental health.
“This year, Grant is called upon by his estranged son Mark to return to Walford, marking the first time the pair will be reunited since Mark learned the truth about his true parentage.
“Grant’s arrival on Albert Square also comes amidst the deteriorating health of long-time family friend Nigel. While full details of Grant’s comeback remain under wraps, viewers can expect explosive drama.” Although his return has been under wraps, it will no doubt be filled with chaos and drama for Grant.
One of Walford’s most colourful protagonists, Grant, has had his fair share of duff-duff moments over the years. One of his most notable scandals was his love triangle with Sharon Watts and his brother, Phil. Writers realised that Sharon was perfect for both brothers, but spread the drama out over several years, resulting in high-tension drama.
The scandal came to a head in 1994, with the infamous episodes branded “Sharongate,” and over 25.3 million people tuning in to witness Grant learn of the affair. And then, along came his marriage to Tiffany Raymond between 1996 and 1998, which, for Grant, was a marriage of pure convenience so he could see his daughter
But the wedding was plagued by drama, including Tiffany facing physical and emotional abuse from Grant, who also had two affairs – one of which was with her mother. At Christmas in 1998, Grant was accused of the attempted murder of Tiffany, who was later killed in a car accident on New Year’s Eve of the same year.
Grant returned to EastEnders in 2005 after almost six years for a fixed period, to reunite with his family and on-screen mother, Peggy, the Mitchell matriarch. He walked away from Walford in June 2006, before returning ten years later for Barbara Windsor’s final scenes.
