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He is Eastenders‘ most notorious hardman but hasn’t been seen since 2016.
Now Ross Kemp, 60, is set to return to Albert Square in his role as bad boy Grant Mitchell as the BBC soap celebrates its 40th anniversary.
The actor joined the show almost 35 years ago and soon made his mark as one of half of the legendary Mitchell brothers, and loving son to Queen Vic landlady Peggy Mitchell, who was played by the late Dame Barbara Windsor.
Ross said he was ‘delighted’ to return to the show that made his name: ‘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.’
Grant Mitchell has been part of some of the most memorable storylines in soap history including uncovering his brother’s affair with his wife Sharon in 1994, the death of his second wife Tiffany who was run over by Grant’s stepfather Frank Butcher on New Year’s Eve 1998, and the Mitchell brothers car crash in 1999.
Ross Kemp , 60, is set to return to Albert Square in his role as bad boy Grant Mitchell as the BBC soap celebrates its 40th anniversary.
The actor joined the show almost 35 years ago and soon made his mark as one of half of the legendary Mitchell brothers, and loving son to Queen Vic landlady Peggy Mitchell, who was played by the late Dame Barbara Windsor
It is not his first return to Albert Square after his initial stint from 1990-99, he returned for a year in 2005, and again in 2016 for Dame Barbara’s final scenes with her sons.
His character later returned to Portugal with daughter Courtney (Megan Jossa).
Playing on his notorious character’s image, Ross has found success as a documentary maker covering the criminal underworld, including the BAFTA award-winning television series Ross Kemp on Gangs.
His character’s storyline is currently being held under wraps, however, BBC bosses say that his return will ‘play a significant part in the show’s 40th anniversary’.
Chris Clenshaw the Executive Producer of Eastenders added: ‘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.’
The 40th-anniversary episode of EastEnders next year looks like it will be the show’s most dramatic yet.
Pictures from the £87million set reveal Albert Square as viewers have never seen it before – with the windows of the Queen Vic blown out and the surrounding streets strewn with rubble.
Ross said he was ‘delighted’ to return to the show that made his name: ‘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’
His character’s storyline is currently being held under wraps, however, BBC bosses say that his return will ‘play a significant part in the show’s 40th anniversary’
The sensational storyline, designed to entice audiences back to the BBC’s flagship show after a steady decline, sees an explosion rip through the fictional pub, whose landladies have included Peggy Mitchell – played by the late Dame Barbara Windsor – and Anita Dobson’s Angie Watts.
There is even what appears to be blood on the pavement, raising fears that some of the show’s best-loved characters could be at risk.
An industry insider said producers are ‘pulling out all the stops’ for the anniversary special, which will air in February.
And they hinted that fans could expect some famous actors from the show’s past to make a return, adding: ‘Curious viewers will undoubtedly recognise a few familiar faces.’
Soap bosses are said to be bringing back Paul Bradley as lovable Nigel Bates alongside Ross.
It is hoped the show will go down in history alongside other memorable episodes.