Ross Kemp to return to BBC EastEnders as iconic Grant Mitchell reconnects with long-lost son
Ross Kemp is making his way back to Albert Square this spring, reprising his iconic role as Grant Mitchell for an extended run on EastEnders.
The 61-year-old actor has already begun shooting scenes for the BBC One soap, with his return set to span several months rather than the brief appearance he made last year.
Mr Kemp’s previous comeback coincided with the programme’s 40th anniversary celebrations in February 2025, when Grant arrived amid concerns about his brother Phil’s mental health struggles.
This time around, the hardman character’s storyline promises to be more substantial, giving Mr Kemp the opportunity to fully immerse himself in the drama.
Ross Kemp is reprising his role as Grant Mitchell in EastEnders
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BBC
A television insider revealed that Mr Kemp “loved his brief return last year” and is “really excited to get back in the saddle.”
Grant’s return to Walford is driven by two emotionally charged storylines that will see him confronting both family and friendship.
His estranged son Mark Fowler Jnr, portrayed by Stephen Aaron-Sipple, has requested the meeting – marking their first encounter since Mark learned the truth about his biological father.
The characters previously crossed paths years ago when Ned Porteous played the role of Mark, but they have not been seen together on screen since.
Alongside the father-son reunion, Grant will play a central part in the ongoing storyline surrounding Nigel Bates, whose dementia symptoms are progressively worsening.
The dementia narrative carries particular weight for Kemp personally, as he has a close family member affected by the condition in real life.
Mr Kemp expressed his enthusiasm about the comeback, stating: “I’m truly delighted to be stepping back into Grant Mitchell’s shoes and returning to EastEnders later this year.
“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.”
Ross Kemp briefly returned to BBC EastEnders last year but is set to come back for a lengthier stint
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BBC
The subject matter is familiar territory for the actor, who produced a two-part documentary for ITV in 2020 titled Ross Kemp: Living with Dementia.
That programme explored the devastating impact of the disease, including its effect on his former co-star Barbara Windsor, who portrayed his on-screen mother Peggy Mitchell and passed away that same year.
EastEnders Executive Producer Ben Wadey shared his excitement about the casting news, saying: “We are absolutely thrilled to welcome Ross back once more to the legendary role of Grant.
“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.”
Ross Kemp made his EastEnders debut as Grant Mitchell back in 1990
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BBC
Mr Kemp originally joined the soap in 1990 and departed in 1999, though Grant has made several returns over the years.
Beyond his acting career, Mr Kemp has established himself as a documentary maker, and last year he presented EastEnders: 40 Years on the Square.
While precise storyline details remain under wraps, viewers can anticipate high-stakes drama when the episodes air on BBC One and BBC iPlayer this spring.
