Ross Kemp is returning to Albert Square in celebration of EastEnders' 40th anniversary. The 60-year-old first made his debut as Grant Mitchell in 1990 and has returned to the soap a number of times over the past 35 years. He last appeared in the show in 2016 but will reprise his role this year in what the BBC has described as an "explosive" storyline.
Kemp said: "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.".
EastEnders first aired on 19 February 1985. EastEnders and The Bill star Roberta Taylor dies. BBC to sell EastEnders set at Elstree as part of deal to make savings. Patsy Palmer returning to EastEnders for short stint as Bianca Jackson. The character of Grant will return to the show as his brother Phil Mitchell (Steve McFadden) struggles with loneliness.
The pair's childhood best friend Nigel Bates (Paul Bradley) has also recently returned to the square after almost three decades away. The return comes as Grant's ex-wife Sharon (Letitia Dean), who had an affair with his brother Phil in the early 1990s and went on to marry him, is now dating his long-lost cousin Teddy Mitchell.
