EastEnders icon Ross Kemp has returned to the set of the soap ahead of his explosive comeback as Grant Mitchell after almost 10 years away from Walford
Actor Ross Kemp has officially stepped back onto the set of EastEnders as he returns as his iconic character Grant Mitchell.
The TV star will reprise his role as he legendary troublemaker, eight years after he was last seen in Walford. His comeback is set to coincide with the soap’s 40th anniversary. 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.
Soap bosses are currently keeping quiet on what brings Grant back amid drama with Phil and Nigel Bates, while it’s been teased the scenes will be “explosive”. Ross has decided to give fans a sneak peak at his highly anticipated return as he shared a selfie from the set. The actor posted a photo with EastEnders’ crew as he got back to work.
He beamed in the snap as he simply said: “Team EastEnders.” No other EastEnders actors could be seen in the snap as Ross remains tight lipped on what his comeback will install. Grant has been in Portugal ever since he left back in September 2016 shortly after his mother Peggy Mitchell’s death.
Now, Grant will return for a “short stint” in the New Year ahead of the big birthday episodes – while an exact timeframe has not been revealed. Ross teased his big comeback after rumours emerged last 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.”
Ross originally joined the EastEnders cast almost 35 years ago as Grant Mitchell, brother of Phil Mitchell and son of Queen Vic landlord Peggy Mitchell. He initially appeared in the soap for nine years from 1990 to 1999, also returning for a brief stint between 2005 and 2006 and finally in 2016. During his time on the soap he featured in some of its most memorable and iconic storylines including the love triangle with Sharon Mitchell and his brother and also his volatile marriage with wife Tiffany Raymond.
