EastEnders icon Ross Kemp confirms return as Grant Mitchell for "explosive" new stint
Ross Kemp is heading back to Albert Square, with Grant set to reunite with estranged son Mark.
EastEnders legend Ross Kemp is set to reprise his role as Grant Mitchell for a dramatic return to Walford this spring.
Grant was last seen on screen on Thursday 27 February 2025 as part of the show’s 40th anniversary celebrations, when he briefly returned to Albert Square amid concerns about Phil’s deteriorating mental health.
This time, Grant – who has been living in Portugal – is called back to Walford by his estranged son Mark (Stephen Aaron-Sipple), marking the first time the pair will come face-to-face since Mark learned the truth about his parentage.
His return also coincides with the worsening health of long-time family friend Nigel (Paul Bradley), with Grant set to be drawn into the character’s ongoing dementia storyline. While bosses are keeping further details under wraps, viewers have been promised "explosive" drama.
Speaking about stepping back into the role, Kemp said: "I’m truly delighted to be stepping back into Grant Mitchell’s shoes and returning to EastEnders later this year. As well as exploring Grant’s attempts to reconnect with his son Mark, it’s especially an honour to be part of Nigel’s powerful ongoing dementia storyline, which holds deep personal meaning for me due to a close family connection in real life."
Executive producer Ben Wadey added: "We are absolutely thrilled to welcome Ross back once more to the legendary role of Grant. The Mitchells remain one of EastEnders’ defining dynasties, and we can’t wait to see them reunited again. As always when Grant is around, drama inevitably follows him…"
Grant Mitchell first appeared on EastEnders on Thursday 22 February 1990 and quickly became one of the soap’s most iconic hardmen, forming one half of the formidable Mitchell brothers alongside Phil (Steve McFadden).
EastEnders airs Monday to Thursday on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
Keep up to date on what’s worth watching with your favourite entertainment news from Radio Times – see more of our exclusive news and interviews featured prominently in Top Stories when using Google.
Read more:
- 5 EastEnders spoilers next week: Shock arrest made after Anthony Trueman's funeral, as Max Branning professes his feelings
- EastEnders' Kat Moon and Vicki Fowler make risky move to secure Zoe's freedom in BBC iPlayer release
- EastEnders reveals Mark Fowler Jr's secret and surprise connection to Walford local in BBC iPlayer release
- EastEnders airs dark Ravi Gulati scenes amid revenge story in early BBC iPlayer release
Visit our dedicated EastEnders page for all the latest news, interviews and spoilers.
Add EastEnders to your watchlist on the Radio Times: What to Watch app – download now for daily TV recommendations, features and more.
Check out more of our Soaps coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Authors
Morgan Jeffery is the Digital Editor for Radio Times, overseeing all editorial output across digital platforms. He was previously TV Editor at Digital Spy and has featured as a TV expert on BBC Breakfast, BBC Radio 5 Live and Sky Atlantic.
