Ross Kemp returning to EastEnders as Grant Mitchell for soap's 40th anniversary
Ross Kemp is returning to Albert Square in celebration of EastEnders' 40th anniversary.
Grant Mitchell is a fictional character from the British soap opera EastEnders, played by Ross Kemp. He was introduced by producer Michael Ferguson to revamp the show, and originally served as one of the show's leading protagonists throughout the 1990s; with the character first appearing in 22 February 1990 and then departing on 25 October 1999 after Kemp had opted to leave the show. He then returned to the show on 24 October 2005 for a few weeks and returned again between March and June 2006. Kemp was persuaded to return to the role for brief stints during a period of heavy media criticism aimed at EastEnders. The return proved to be a ratings success. Kemp reprised the role of Grant for various guest stints in 2016, appearing in twelve episodes between 13 May and 9 September. An archived recording of his voice was heard on 25 January 2022. On 26 July 2022, it was announced that Grant would feature in a flashback episode focusing on the Mitchell family in 1979. Teddy Jay played the role of Grant for this special episode, which aired on 5 September 2022. On 1 January 2025 it was confirmed that Grant will return for a short stint for the show's 40th anniversary.
Ross Kemp is returning to Albert Square in celebration of EastEnders' 40th anniversary.
Kemp will appear as Grant Mitchell in the BBC soap for the first time in nine years.