EastEnders has finally confirmed Grant Mitchell will be returning to the BBC soap for the 40th anniversary build-up, with actor Ross Kemp teasing ‘explosive’ scenes ahead

An icon is making their way back to EastEnders very soon, as Grant Mitchell is returning to the BBC soap for the 40th anniversary.

The BBC soap has finally confirmed the comeback for the legendary troublemaker, eight years after he was last seen in Walford. Ross Kemp is reprising the role, as the soap celebrates 40 years on air.

Grant has been at the centre of some major storylines across the years since his debut in 1990, also forming the iconic duo the Mitchell brothers with his equally troubled sibling Phil Mitchell. Life has been hard on the family in recent years with tragic losses, characters forced to flee and relatives jailed.

Phil himself is at the centre of a loneliness storyline, with Steve McFadden’s character showing signs of depression while isolating himself from his loved ones. Phil and Grant’s estranged best friend Nigel Bates has just returned too in another epic comeback, with more yet to be revealed about his own struggles.

Now, bosses have revealed Grant heads back to Walford in the lead-up to February’s 40th anniversary episodes. They’re currently keeping quiet on what brings him back amid drama with Phil and Nigel, while it’s been teased the scenes will be “explosive”.

An icon is making their way back to EastEnders very soon, as Grant Mitchell is returning to the BBC soap (Image: BBC/Kieron McCarron)

Grant has been in Portugal ever since he left back in September 2016 shortly after his mother Peggy Mitchell’s death. Now, Grant is set to return for a “short stint” in the New Year ahead of the big birthday episodes – while an exact timeframe has not been revealed.

Ross has teased his big comeback after rumours emerged earlier this year. Teasing Grant “comes back with a bang”, Ross promised fans there would be some “action” ahead as he shared his excitement to be back in Albert Square.

He spilled: “I’m delighted to be returning to EastEnders as the show heads towards its 40th anniversary. 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.”

Soap boss Chris Clenshaw also reacted to the exciting news, promising the anniversary and Grant’s comeback would be “unmissable”. He said: “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.”

EastEnders airs Mondays to Thursdays at 7:30pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.