EASTENDERS legend Ross Kemp is returning for the soap’s 40th anniversary.

The star, 60, who played hardman Grant Mitchell, will present a special one-off BBC1 documentary about the long-running show.

Ross quit Walford in 1999 after nearly a decade before brief returns in 2005 and 2016.

He has since been making a string of hard-hitting factual series.

It comes days after the Beeb announced an interactive live episode for the first time in February to celebrate its birthday.

A source said: “Ross is joining in celebrations by hosting his own EastEnders documentary.

“He will interview stars past and present about why it is so good and how important it is. EastEnders will always have a special place in his heart and he’s really excited.”

Asked about a return to EastEnders last week on This Morning, he said: “I can tell you nothing.”

The star, whose shows include Ross Kemp on Gangs, added: “I wouldn’t have had a career, good or bad, without it.”

Old characters returning include Tracy-Ann Oberman, 58, as Chrissie Watts.

But Navin Chowdhry, 53, is leaving after two years as businessman Nish Panesar.

Albert Square will also see a fire.

A source said: “The drama’s really ramping up.”