Producers said the character is returning for an ‘explosive’ storyline. EastEnders will celebrate its 40th anniversary with the return of an iconic character. Actor and presenter Ross Kemp will be reprising his role as Grant Mitchell for the first time in nine years, for a storyline the BBC says will be “explosive”.
![[Ross Kemp will return to Albert Square this year as Grant Mitchell]](https://static.independent.co.uk/2024/12/31/15/8d990995-06ca-404f-b418-9a7fa1b45899.jpg)
Kemp, 60, last appeared in EastEnders in 2016 but will return later this year as his brother, Phil Mitchell, struggles with loneliness. “I’m delighted to be returning to EastEnders as the show heads towards its 40th anniversary,” Kemp said in a statement.
![[Ross Kemp and Steve McFadden as brothers Grant and Phil Mitchell, with the late Barbara Windsor as their onscreen mother, Peggy Mitchell]](https://static.independent.co.uk/2020/12/11/13/Page_23_321930445.jpg)
“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.”.
Kemp’s return also comes as his character’s ex-wife, Sharon – who had an affair with Phil in the early Nineties and later married him – is now dating another family member, his long-lost cousin Teddy Mitchell. Sharon’s affair with Phil – dubbed “Sharongate” – was a huge TV draw and, when it reached its climax on 24 October, attracted over 25 million viewers.
The storyline was drawn out over several years and culminated with the memorable episode in which, after Sharon unwittingly confesses to her and Phil’s betrayal on tape, Grant airs it to a pub full of people at Phil’s engagement party before beating his brother unconscious.
