With the news Grant Mitchell, played by actor Ross Kemp, is returning to the BBC soap, fans are speculating what triggers his return for the 40th anniversary episodes
With EastEnders legend Grant Mitchell soon making an epic return to the BBC soap, fans think they know what leads to the twist.
Ross Kemp is reprising his role as the Walford hardman, nine years after his last appearance on the show. Soap boss Chris Clenshaw has teased his comeback sets the way for some “explosive” scenes, with the return a huge part of the anniversary episodes.
The soap celebrates its 40th birthday next month, with Honey and Billy Mitchell’s wedding day taking centre stage, as well as the whodunnit reveal after Cindy Beale’s attack. Amid Phil Mitchell’s loneliness storyline, his sibling Grant is about to make a surprise arrival.
It follows the return of the brothers’ former best pal Nigel Bates who is hiding something of his own. Bosses are keeping quiet as to what brings Grant back, while fans of the show have already begun sharing their theories.
With the Mitchells concerned for Phil and some highly emotional scenes on the way, many viewers think he will return to Walford to help his brother in his time of need. Then there’s Nigel who is also sparking concern, so might Grant come back to see him?
After Executive Producer Chris teased: “his return will play a significant part in the show’s 40th anniversary”, some fans believed he might feature in a twist with former flame Sharon Watts. Could we get Sharongate 2025?
With EastEnders legend Grant Mitchell soon making an epic return to the BBC soap, fans think they know what leads to the twist (Image: BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron)
One theory read: “Grant comes back for Phil. Nigel has a backstory still to reveal.” Another said: “Feeling like this ‘love’ storyline they’re gonna do for the anniversary is Sharon choosing between Phil, Grant or Teddy.”
A third fan agreed: “I feel like we could be heading for a Sharon/Grant/Phil/Teddy situation. 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. 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.
