EastEnders has revealed full details of Grant Mitchell’s (Ross Kemp) return in the wake of brother Phil’s (Steve McFadden) devastating suicide attempt. It was confirmed last month that Ross would be reprising his iconic role after a 9 year absence as part of the show’s forthcoming 40th Anniversary celebrations. With the soap promising that his return will be ‘nothing short of explosive’, Ross 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.’. The circumstances relating to his big return have been kept under wraps, though viewers were quick to speculate that it would be related to Phil’s declining mental health.

In heartbreaking scenes that air this week, the Walford stalwart attempts to take his own life. Best pal Nigel Bates (Paul Bradley) is riddled with guilt when he sees him being carted into an ambulance, choosing to have dinner with a prospective new romance instead of rushing after him in his moment of inner turmoil. We now know that his condition will get worse, as Phil begins to suffer psychosis and hallucinates a pivotal moment from his youth.

In upcoming scenes, ex-wife Sharon Watts (Letitia Dean) is keen for him to seek medical attention. He’s deeply hurt by her interference and lashes out, forcing her to leave his home. Later, she struggles to enjoy herself at Billy (Perry Fenwick) and Honey’s (Emma Barton) joint stag and hen-do, and is further troubled when Mo Harris (Laila Morse) reveals that Phil paid for the party after hearing about the couple’s monetary woes.

Sharon decides to send out a search party for him, but he’s seemingly vanished. Phil is alone and struggling to separate his visions from reality. In a special episode, we’ll see scenes from the Mitchell family home in 1985 as Phil watches on. Here's what EastEnders fans can expect as the soap celebrates its 40th anniversary on 19 February 2025:. Having previously gone live for the 25th and 30th anniversaries in 2010 and 2015, the soap will be beaming live to the nation once again during the 40th week.

This instalment will air one day after the big 4-0, on Thursday February 20. The episode will also mark a huge EastEnders first as bosses are giving the audience the power to vote on the outcome of one storyline, with the actors having to react to the result live on air – speaking of which…. With Denise Fox (Diane Parish) having found herself in a love triangle with Jack Branning (Scott Maslen) and Ravi Gulati (Aaron Thiara), fans will decide whether she reunites with her estranged husband Jack or picks her secret lover.

We also know that another 'history making' decision will be left to audiences to decide, with details yet to be announced. ​​Ross Kemp will be reprising his role as the legendary Grant Mitchell to play a significant part in the 40th celebrations. ‘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,’ Ross teased. Cindy Beale (Michelle Collins) was left for dead when she was whacked over the head with a shovel by a mystery assailant on Christmas Day after the truth about her affair with former stepson Junior Knight (Micah Balfour) exploded.

With the finger of suspicion currently pointing at numerous characters, Cindy’s attacker will be unmasked at last during the anniversary week. Ahead of the big week, BBC Four will broadcast EastEnders Sings at the BBC, a look back at archive performances from cast members from Top of the Pops. Ross Kemp will take a trip down Walford memory lane with a special hour-long documentary called EastEnders: 40 Years on The Square, taking fans behind the scenes as he delves into the show’s history and relieves some of the most memorable moments.

BBC Three will also offer viewers a look at the explosive anniversary storylines with a 45-minute interview special – EastEnders Revealed: The Lock In – hosted by Joe Swash as he chats to some of the actors who find themselves at the heart of the anniversary drama. As Billy and Honey Mitchell (Perry Fenwick and Emma Barton) prepare to walk down the aisle, their favourite boozer The Queen Victoria will burn to the ground.

Aerial pictures from filming show the pub blown to smithereens, with a car crashed into the side. There's also a marquee in the middle of the Square Gardens - is this from the wedding?. As his depression deepens, he’ll begin to converse with mum Peggy (Jaime Winstone), father Eric (George Russo), Grant (Teddy Jay) and Nigel (Sam Miles). Daniel Delaney will also reprise his role as a younger version of Phil, last seen in a special flashback episode in 2022.