EastEnders has confirmed that Grant Mitchell will return to Albert Square as part of two huge storylines, with Ross Kemp set to reprise his role once again following a brief comeback last year.
Grant was previously in Walford in February 2025 as he attempted to make peace with his brother, Phil, who was struggling with feelings of loneliness and depression. The brief return was part of the BBC soap’s 40th anniversary, but the character will be back.
In a new press release, it has been confirmed that Grant will be called back to Walford by his estranged son Mark Fowler Jr, who himself returned to East London last month after a decade away.
Grant’s reunion with Mark will be the first time that they have met since the latter learned of his parentage, while Grant will also pay long-time friend Nigel Bates a visit in his ongoing health storyline.
“I’m truly delighted to be stepping back into Grant Mitchell’s shoes and returning to EastEnders later this year,” said Kemp, who first portrayed the character in 1990, in a statement.
BBC
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“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.”
“We are absolutely thrilled to welcome Ross back once more to the legendary role of Grant,” added executive producer Ben Wadey, who took over the role from Chris Clenshaw last year.
“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,” he continued.
BBC
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Kemp originally portrayed Grant between 1990 and 1999, and has returned to the soap several times in the subsequent years. Though he has forged a career as a documentarian, the star said he owed a “great debt” to the series.
“Without it, I wouldn’t have had the career that I’ve had. I’ve always owed it a great debt – it was very good to me, and hopefully I was good to it,” said the actor, who said returning was like “going home”.
EastEnders airs on Mondays-Thursdays at 7.30pm on BBC One. The show also streams on BBC iPlayer, where most episodes drop early at 6am ahead of their TV broadcast.
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