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