EASTENDERS fans are convinced Nigel Bates’ return means one huge soap legend will make a

shock comeback after years of rumours.

Paul Bradley, 69, has left BBC viewers stunned as he reprises his legendary character for

Christmas, leading many to believe that another show legend could be heading back to Albert

Square.

For years, there’s been speculation surrounding the return of Grant Mitchell, one of EastEnders’ most memorable and explosive characters.

The rumours gained further momentum last month when actor Ross Kemp, 60, was spotted leaving the Walford set in a car with dark-tinted windows.

Grant’s exit from the soap back in 2006 left a significant void, with his turbulent relationship with brother Phil and his fiery temper making him a household name.

However, despite numerous rumors over the years, Grant has not yet made his comeback.

Now, with Nigel’s sudden reappearance, fans are convinced the stage is being set.

The two characters share a history, as Nigel’s role in the show has always been tied to the Mitchell family, and his return has sparked wild theories about the possibility of Grant’s re-emergence.

Social media has been buzzing with excitement since the news broke, with fans eager to see what the future holds for the Mitchell family.

Taking to X, formerly Twitter, one wrote: “Actually this makes sense, cause grant and Nigel were best friends back in the day, so if phil needs saving who bettervtgen to bring back grant #eastenders.”

Another added: “There’s a mention of “Ghosts returning from the past” during tomorrow’s 2nd episode of #EastEnders.

“If Grant returns during the 2nd episode for Phil’s storyline I think I’ll lose my mind.”

Someone else gushed: “This was such a lovely surprise! I didn’t recognise him at first though! But surely this means a Grant return must also be on the cards at some point.”

One more concluded: “IM CRYING WE JUST NEED GRANT.”

Ross became a fan favourite while playing tough guy Grant from 1990 to 1999.

Although he left the show to pursue other ventures, he has made a number of memorable comebacks over the years.

His latest appearance was in 2016 for the emotional funeral of his on-screen mother, Peggy Mitchell, played by the late Barbara Windsor.

This September, The Sun reported that Ross would be participating in the anniversary festivities by hosting a one-off documentary about the soap.

A source revealed: “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.”

While Ross has been tight-lipped about any potential on-screen return, his recent sighting near the EastEnders production set has left fans abuzz.

During a recent This Morning interview, Alison Hammond pressed the actor about the rumors, asking: “What is going on, are you going back for the 40th anniversary? Tell us what’s going on.”

Ross responded cryptically, saying: “I can tell you nothing.

“I am very proud of the show celebrating 40 years and I wouldn’t have had a career, good or bad, without it. I absolutely love it and I still support it.”

The BBC has been keeping details of the anniversary week under wraps but has teased that it will feature an unprecedented live episode with an interactive element.

Fans will be given the chance to vote on the outcome of a pivotal love story, with the cast and crew adapting live to the audience’s choice.

The live broadcast is set for February 2025 and promises to be a historic moment for the show.

Executive Producer Chris Clenshaw said: “The 40th anniversary is a milestone event for EastEnders, and we have been planning this week for a long time to ensure that it’s a week full of drama and surprises.”

This week, Paul revealed exactly why he agreed to return to his old job.

Nigel could be seen back in Walford having fallen on hard times during EastEnders’ Christmas Eve episode.

However, it appears from today’s episode his life has changed significantly.

Nigel was last seen in 1998 when he left Walford for a new life in Scotland with wife Julie, daughter Clare and stepson Josh.

But, now back in Walford, Nigel was seen looking homeless as he came into contact with Yolande Trueman at the community centre’s soup kitchen.

Paul said he is still recognised on the street by soap fans and said the cast have been friendly and welcoming.

He said: “I’m thrilled and honoured to be back as Nigel. Despite it being such a long time ago, I still get recognised as Nigel in the street.

“Returning has been great as I’m so familiar with many of the faces at EastEnders, and they are a very friendly bunch.

“It’s fantastic to work with Steve McFadden again – I’m a huge admirer of his work, and he sets the bar really high. I’m having a really good time.”

Despite his new life in Scotland, Nigel has mysteriously returned to Walford alone as Phil will get a visit from the ghost of Christmas past.

The Sun on Sunday exclusively revealed how Paul was making a shock comeback in time for the 40th anniversary.

However, his return for Christmas was totally unexpected.