Ross Kemp reprises Grant Mitchell role in EastEnders

Ross Kemp will be reprising his role as the legendary Grant Mitchell as EastEnders prepares to celebrate its 40th anniversary.

Having joined the show almost 35 years ago, his character remains cemented in its rich history as the one half of the iconic Mitchell brother duo, and son to one of Walford’s most infamous matriarchs, Peggy Mitchell (Barbara Windsor).

Grant’s complex familial relationships has seen him at the forefront of some of the show’s most iconic and memorable storylines, and whilst the circumstances relating to his return currently remain under wraps, if his past stints are anything to go by, there is sure to be drama.

When he returns, he will have a lot to process, including his brother Phil’s (Steve McFadden) current struggles, his estranged best friend Nigel’s (Paul Bradley) return to the Square, and his ex-wife Sharon’s (Letitia Dean) new relationship with his cousin Teddy (Roland Manookian).

Speaking on his return, Ross Kemp 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.”

Ross debuted as Grant Mitchell in EastEnders in February 1990, joining his brother Phil in Albert Square. The duo, who owned a garage, later ventured into the pub business by taking over The Queen Vic in 1992.

The brothers came to blows in October 1994 when Grant discovered that Phil had been having an affair with his wife, Sharon. Sharon’s on/off affair with Phil had begun due to Grant’s abusive behaviour during their marriage, and was eventually exposed after she unwittingly recorded herself discussing it with her best friend Michelle (Susan Tully).

Grant got hold of the tape and played it at Phil and Kathy’s engagement party in The Vic. The storyline, known as ‘Sharongate’, was a massive hit, with 25.3 million viewers tuning in to see Sharon and Phil face the music.

Grant married Tiffany Raymond (Martine McCutcheon) in 1996, but he always carried a torch for Sharon and didn’t treat Tiffany as she deserved. Tragically, Tiffany lost her life in a car accident on New Year’s Eve 1998, leaving Grant to raise their daughter Courtney by himself.

Ross left the show in 1999 but returned for short stints in 2005 and 2006, which saw Grant team up with Phil to get their little sister Sam (Kim Medcalf) out of prison and have an affair with Ian Beale’s partner Jane (Laurie Brett).

He made a further return to Albert Square in 2016 when his mum Peggy was terminally ill, and during this visit, he also discovered that he had fathered a baby with Michelle following a one-night stand in 1995, meeting his grown-up son Mark for the first time.

Over the years Ross has won numerous awards for the role of Grant and has gone on to become a BAFTA award winning investigative journalist for his Sky 1 documentary series.

Speaking about his latest return to the soap, Chris Clenshaw, Executive Producer, said:

“We are absolutely thrilled to welcome Ross Kemp back to EastEnders as he reprises the legendary role of Grant Mitchell. Whilst I’m not currently revealing exactly what brings Grant back to Walford, I can say that his return will play a significant part in the show’s 40th anniversary, and will make up many moments of truly unmissable TV.”