Ross Kemp to return as Grant Mitchell in BBC soap EastEnders

The return will see his iconic character reunited with his estranged son and drawn into a storyline involving a family friend.

The 61-year-old actor previously returned for the BBC One soap’s 40th anniversary in 2025.

When was Grant Mitchell last in EastEnders?

Ross Kemp is returning as Grant Mitchell for a short stint in EastEnders (Image: BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron)

Ross Kemp was last seen as Grant Mitchell back in February 2025, having returned for the series’ 40th anniversary celebrations, following concerns about brother Phil’s mental health.

The actor first joined EastEnders in 1990 and was one of its main characters during the 90s.

He left in 1999 and returned for short stints in both 2005 and 2006, and a guest stint in 2016.

Grant Mitchell has also been played by actor Teddy Jay in a special flashback episode about the Mitchell family in September 2022 and as part of the 40th anniversary in February 2025.

He also featured in a hallucination in the 1990s during a special episode heavily focused on Nigel Bates’ (Paul Bradley) worsening dementia.

During his time in EastEnders, and being the younger brother of Steve McFadden’s Phil Mitchell, Ross’ character has been involved in several big storylines.

One of his most iconic arcs was his turbulent romance and marriage to Sharon Watts, which unravelled when Sharon began an affair with Phil.

The explosive 1994 reveal, often referred to as “Sharongate”, became one of the most famous moments in British soap history.

Grant’s darker side was further explored through his abusive marriage to Tiffany Mitchell, creating one of the show’s most controversial and talked-about domestic abuse storylines of the 1990s.

Tiffany’s death shortly after attempting to escape Grant marked a turning point for the character.

Family loyalty remained a core theme throughout Grant’s time on the show, particularly in his bond with his mother, Peggy Mitchell.

Despite frequent clashes, Grant was fiercely protective of the Mitchell name and legacy.

His various departures and dramatic returns over the years have typically reignited old feuds and unfinished emotional business.

Ross Kemp to return as Grant Mitchell in BBC soap EastEnders

A statement shared on the EastEnders social media pages said: “Grant Mitchell is set to make a dramatic return to Walford this spring with Ross Kemp reprising the iconic role for a short stint.

“Grant is called upon by his estranged son Mark to return to Walford, marking the first time the pair will be reunited since Mark learned the truth about his true parentage.

“Grant’s arrival on Albert Square also comes amidst the deteriorating health of long-time family friend Nigel.

“While full details of Grant’s comeback remain under wraps, viewers can expect explosive drama.”

On his return, Mr Kemp said: “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.”

After EastEnders, Kemp has since built a career in documentary filmmaking with series such as Ross Kemp On Gangs, Ross Kemp In Afghanistan and Ross Kemp: Extreme World.

His 2016 appearance on the soap marked Dame Barbara Windsor’s final episode as Peggy Mitchell.

More recently, Mr Kemp has presented the BBC gameshow Bridge Of Lies.

Ben Wadey, executive producer of EastEnders, said: “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.”

Are you excited to see Ross Kemp return as Grant Mitchell? Let us know in the comments.

EastEnders airs Monday to Thursday on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.