EastEnders has confirmed that Ross Kemp will reprise his role as Grant Mitchell for the soap’s 40th anniversary celebrations.
The iconic character, who was last seen in Walford in 2016, will return for a short stint in the New Year as the soap prepares to celebrate its anniversary in February with a week of memorable episodes, including a live broadcast from BBC Elstree Centre.
Grant’s return has been confirmed to be “nothing short of explosive”, as he arrives amid his brother Phil’s ongoing mental health struggles, the return of his estranged best friend Nigel Bates after 26 years, and the news that his ex-wife Sharon is now dating his long-lost cousin Teddy.
“I’m delighted to be returning to EastEnders as the show heads towards its 40th anniversary,” Kemp, who made his first appearance as Grant in 1990, said of his upcoming return.
“EastEnders has always meant so much to me, so to return as the show is about to celebrate such a special anniversary, is an absolute honour.
“Grant has never been far from the action and let’s just say, this time is no different as he certainly comes back with a bang.”
EastEnders executive producer Chris Clenshaw added: “We are absolutely thrilled to welcome Ross Kemp back to EastEnders as he reprises the legendary role of Grant Mitchell.
“Whilst I’m not currently revealing exactly what brings Grant back to Walford, I can say that his return will play a significant part in the show’s 40th anniversary, and will make up many moments of truly unmissable TV.”
Clenshaw recently revealed that most of the anniversary’s “explosive” storylines have already been shot, and warned viewers to be prepared for anything.
