February 14, 2026<\/a><\/p>\nA statement on the EastEnders Facebook page said: \u201cGrant Mitchell is set to make a dramatic return to Walford this spring with Ross Kemp reprising the iconic role for a short stint.<\/p>\n
\u201cGrant was last seen in February 2025, returning briefly to Albert Square for the show\u2019s 40th anniversary due to Nigel\u2019s concerns about Phil\u2019s deteriorating mental health.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis year, Grant is called upon by his estranged son Mark to return to Walford, marking the first time the pair will be reunited since Mark learned the truth about his true parentage.<\/p>\n
\u201cGrant\u2019s arrival on Albert Square also comes amidst the deteriorating health of long time family friend Nigel. While full details of Grant\u2019s comeback remain under wraps, viewers can expect explosive drama.\u201d<\/p>\n
On his return, Kemp said: \u201cI\u2019m truly delighted to be stepping back into Grant Mitchell\u2019s shoes and returning to EastEnders later this year.<\/p>\n
\u201cAs well as exploring Grant\u2019s attempts to reconnect with his son Mark, it\u2019s especially an honour to be part of Nigel\u2019s powerful ongoing dementia storyline, which holds deep personal meaning for me due to a close family connection in real life.\u201d<\/p>\n
We are absolutely thrilled to welcome Ross back once more to the legendary role of Grant<\/p>\n
EastEnders executive producer Ben Wadey<\/p>\n
Kemp went on to produce a number of documentaries after first leaving EastEnders in 1999 including Ross Kemp On Gangs, Ross Kemp In Afghanistan and Ross Kemp: Extreme World.<\/p>\n
He began on the soap in 1990 and his previous appearance prior to his 2025 return, in 2016, marked his on-screen mother Dame Barbara Windsor\u2019s final episode as Peggy Mitchell.<\/p>\n
The actor hosts the BBC gameshow Bridge Of Lies, which challenges contestants to cross a digital bridge by choosing a true statement over a set of wrong ones.<\/p>\n
EastEnders executive producer Ben Wadey said: \u201cWe are absolutely thrilled to welcome Ross back once more to the legendary role of Grant.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe Mitchells remain one of EastEnders\u2019 defining dynasties, and we can\u2019t wait to see them reunited again.<\/p>\n
\u201cAs always when Grant is around, drama inevitably follows him.\u201d<\/p>\n