Very EMOTIONAL News!!! EastEnders’ Ross Kemp pays heartfelt tribute to “wonderful” co-star ahead of Grant Mitchell comeback

EastEnders legend Ross Kemp has voiced his admiration for one co-star ahead of his return as Grant Mitchell later this month. Upcoming episodes will mark the first time all three Mitchell siblings – Grant, Phil and Sam – have been on-screen together in over 20 years.

Grant and Phil, the latter of whom is played by Steve McFadden, joined the BBC soap back in February 1990, and McFadden has continued to be a mainstay ever since. Kemp departed in 1999 and has made a number of brief returns.

Speaking during Friday’s episode of The One Show, Kemp told hosts Alex Jones and JB Gill that he has credited McFadden with all of the success he has had over the years, whether it be during his stint in Walford or as a documentarian.

“Steve, in particular, I have to say thank you, because he’s a wonderful actor,” said Kemp. “If he didn’t open the door for me, I couldn’t do anything. He is one of the most giving and one of the most talented actors I’ve ever worked with.”

Grant’s return looks to be emotional, as his friend Nigel Bates is currently in a care home due to early onset dementia. When his loved ones are told that his pneumonia is getting worse, Grant’s estranged son Mark reaches out to him – despite Sam advising otherwise.

Sure enough, Grant soon appears, reuniting him on-screen with Phil and Sam for the first time since 2005. Although he was briefly seen for mum Peggy’s funeral in 2016, when Sam was played by Danniella Westbrook, he did not interact with his siblings.

This will also mark the first time that Grant and Mark have shared the screen since the latter role was taken over by Stephen Aaron-Sipple. Mark was previously played by Ned Porteous, who now stars as Joe Tate on ITV soap Emmerdale.

Following the announcement of Kemp’s return in February, the actor said in a statement: “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 due to a close family connection in real life,” he added.

EASTENDERS has revealed the first look at Grant Mitchell’s reunion with his siblings as they are together for the first time in a decade.

The hardman – who is played by actor Ross Kemp in the BBC soap – is returning to Walford to see his old pal Nigel Bates as his battle with Alzheimer’s disease takes a devastating turn.

But it will also see Grant reunite with brother Phil and sister Sam for the first time since mum Peggy died in 2016.

The siblings will be seen on screen for the first time together again on Monday April 27.

And it will also see Grant coming face to face with his son Mark Fowler Jr for the first time since they both know they’re related.

The return is set to shake things up on EastEnders, with Grant finding himself at the centre of an emotional storyline.

As Nigel’s condition worsens, tensions rise and old bonds are tested.

Upcoming scenes will see Sam Mitchell inform Phil Mitchell that Nigel Bates’ pneumonia is worsening.

News of Nigel’s health reaches Mark Fowler Jr, prompting Mark to suggest they inform Grant.

But Sam refuses, explaining that Grant hasn’t returned any of her calls.

As Sam reflects on how far the Mitchell siblings have drifted apart since Peggy’s passing, Mark suggests Nigel’s situation could bring them together again.

Intrigued by the thought, Mark leaves Grant a voicemail asking him to return to the Square.

He’s seen firsthand how much Nigel is declining and urges Grant to go and see his old friend before it’s too late.

Ross Kemp was last seen in Walford last February as part of the soap’s 40th-anniversary celebrations, when he returned to support his on-screen brother who was in the midst of a suicidal breakdown.

He also saved ex-wife Sharon Watts’ life after rescuing her from a burning down Queen Vic in heroic fashion.

Speaking about his latest comeback to the BBC soap, Ross said: “I’m truly delighted to be stepping back into Grant Mitchell’s shoes and returning to EastEnders later this year.”

Last month, The Sun revealed exclusive snaps of the Mitchell brothers filming on a beach near Portsmouth in Sussex.

They reunited to film poignant scenes for Nigel’s dementia storyline.

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