Ross Kemp returns to EastEnders for short stint as Grant Mitchell

Published: 05 December 2025. The English Chronicle Desk. The English Chronicle Online

Fans of the long‑running BBC soap EastEnders are celebrating the news that actor Ross Kemp is set to reprise his iconic role for a short‑term storyline later this year. Kemp, best known for playing the tough and charismatic character Grant Mitchell, will step back onto Albert Square in a move that has already sparked excitement across social media and among loyal viewers of the beloved British drama.

Kemp first starred as Grant Mitchell in EastEnders in the 1990s, becoming one of the soap’s most memorable figures with his hard‑edge persona, volatile relationships, and explosive story arcs. His presence defined several of the show’s most talked‑about moments, and his return promises a potent mix of nostalgia and new drama as the series continues to evolve.

While details about the storyline remain closely guarded by producers, insiders suggest that Grant Mitchell’s brief comeback will be tied to a major family crisis that reverberates through several key characters’ lives. This narrative decision appears designed to not only honour Kemp’s legacy on the show but also to create high‑impact drama that could shape the arc of EastEnders in the coming months.

In a statement shared with fans, Kemp said he was “thrilled to return to Albert Square” and that revisiting Grant Mitchell has been “a powerful experience.” He added that audiences can expect “the same fire, intensity, and raw emotion that made the character unforgettable.” His comments have already fuelled speculation about how his presence will influence existing storylines, especially those involving longstanding rivalries and family dynamics.

The announcement has been met with widespread enthusiasm from both fans and colleagues. Social media platforms have been abuzz with reactions, with many viewers expressing nostalgia for the dramatic flare Kemp brought to the square during his earlier stints. Long‑time fans in particular have pointed to Grant Mitchell’s classic rivalries and memorable lines as highlights of EastEnders’s rich history.

BBC executives have emphasised that the short return is timed strategically within the soap’s ongoing narrative. A spokesperson for the show said that bringing back a fan‑favourite character like Grant Mitchell “gives loyal viewers something special while advancing crucial plot points and character relationships.” They added that Kemp’s involvement demonstrates EastEnders’s commitment to blending legacy storytelling with fresh developments.

Kemp himself has had a varied career since his most recent appearances on EastEnders, delving into documentary filmmaking and presenting, particularly in investigative series focusing on global conflict zones and social issues. His return to the world of soap drama underscores both his versatility as a performer and the enduring appeal of the character he helped make iconic.

Critics and television commentators have noted that well‑executed returns of classic characters can boost viewer engagement and ratings, especially at a time when competition among broadcast and streaming platforms remains fierce. Grant Mitchell’s reappearance may also serve as a bridge between long‑time viewers and a new generation of audiences discovering the show through digital platforms.

As production ramps up for the episodes featuring Kemp’s return, cast members have reportedly expressed excitement at working with him again. Behind‑the‑scenes photos and set visits have already begun circulating online, further amplifying anticipation for the episodes when Grant Mitchell’s story unfolds once more.

For now, viewers will be eagerly awaiting the televised return, speculating about how his arrival will impact the residents of Albert Square — and whether the iconic Mitchell swagger will be met with old feuds, new alliances, or both.

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