IT’S PERSONAL EastEnders legend Ross Kemp breaks silence on his comeback as Grant Mitchell and reveals why he really returned

EASTENDERS legend Ross Kemp has broken his silence about his soap comeback and revealed why he really returned.

The actor – who plays Grant Mitchell in the BBC soap – will reprise his role next week for the heartbreaking death of old pal Nigel Bates.

Viewers know Nigel has been battling dementia ever since he returned to Walford in 2024.

But now with his condition deteriorating and best mate Phil Mitchell struggling to cope, Grant is called in to help.

Now, actor Ross has revealed his own personal reasons for returning to the soap.

Ross said: “Coming back has been a wonderful experience.

“Nigel’s dementia storyline was deeply important to me, as my father died with Alzheimer’s, as did Dame Barbara Windsor, so returning came with a mixture of excitement and emotional pressure.

“I was nervous about letting people down, and I thought about Barbara a great deal while being back on set – particularly in The Vic, where we spent so much time together.

“The storyline was the main reason I wanted to come back, and I was delighted when Ben Wadey asked me to return.

“I felt honoured to be part of something that has been handled so beautifully by EastEnders, alongside Steve McFadden, Paul Bradley, Karen Henthorn, and the rest of the cast.

“It’s been incredibly special to have the Mitchells reunited – the first time in ten years that Sam, Phil, and Grant have been on set together.”

He added: “I’ve loved working with Steve McFadden again, and to be reunited with Kim Medcalf and to work alongside Stephen Aaron‑Sipple for the first time.”

“It’s also been great to see so many members of the production team and crew again, some of whom started on the show at the same time I did.”

As for Grant, Ross says his return comes because he wants to reunite with his son Mark.

“I think Grant is desperate to see his son,” he said.

“They’ve never had a relationship, and he may see this as the first step towards potentially building one.

“He’s also shocked to hear from him in general and probably feels that, if Mark has reached out after all this time, then whatever is happening must be significant enough, and important enough, for him to come back to Walford immediately.”

Grant’s return will air next week on the BBC soap.