Major EastEnders legend to return for 40th anniversary – but there is a twist

Ross Kemp looks set to join EastEnders’ 40th anniversary celebrations – but not by reprising his role as Grant Mitchell.

It has been claimed the former Walford hard man will front a special documentary charting the soap’s biggest moments as it celebrates the milestone in February.

A source told The Sun: ‘Ross is joining in celebrations by hosting his own EastEnders documentary.

‘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.

Fans have long called for Ross’ return to Albert Square as Grant, who was introduced alongside brother Phil (Steve McFadden) in 1990.

While Phil has stayed in Walford ever since, Grant left Walford in 1999, before Ross reprised the role for a guest stint in 2005 and again in 2016 as part of on-screen mum Peggy Mitchell’s (Barbara Windsor) final storyline.

Since leaving the BBC soap, Ross has established himself as a hard-hitting documentary maker, reporting on topics including gangs and from locations including Afghanistan.

He was asked about a potential EastEnders return as recently as this month, when during an appearance on ITV’s This Morning, he said: “I can tell you nothing. I wouldn’t have had a career, good or bad, without it.”

Ross was asked about a possible EastEnders return earlier this month (Picture: ITV/Shutterstock/S Meddle)

While he might not be making a full comeback as Grant (as yet, anyway), EastEnders is set to welcome back many other blasts from the past as it gears up for its 40th anniversary.

Patsy Palmer will reprise her role as Bianca Jackson for another guest stint, while her on-screen father David Wicks is also set to return as actor Michael French makes a comeback.

Louisa Lytton will also be back on the Square as Ruby Allen, after the character was referenced by recent returnee Chrissie Watts (Tracy-Ann Oberman) in last week’s episodes, which also confirmed a big fan theory.

Earlier this month, it was also announced that the BBC soap will mark its 40th anniversary with a special live episode where viewers will get to vote on a storyline and the actors will have to react to the outcome.

EastEnders airs Monday to Thursday at 7.30pm on BBC One and from 6am on iPlayer.