EastEnders’ Grant Mitchell is confirmed to return to Walford as Ross Kemp steps back into the role amid tragic storyline
EastEnders icon Grant Mitchell will shortly make his way back to Walford, though the circumstances behind his return are deeply troubling.
Grant first emerged in Walford back in 1990 alongside his brother Phil (Steve McFadden), and has made several comebacks throughout the years. The tough guy most recently returned last year during the show’s 40th anniversary, following Nigel Bates’ (Paul Bradley) concerns about Phil’s mental well-being.
Yet, after flying back to Portugal, the Mitchells were stunned when Mark Fowler Jr turned up, nearly 10 years after learning his biological father was Grant.
Grant is now heading back to Walford once again as his childhood mate Nigel battles his deteriorating health from dementia.
Nigel, who received an early-onset dementia diagnosis in January 2025, has wrestled with the illness in recent months, and while his wife Julie Bates (Karen Henthorn) and Phil have stood by him, he now resides in a care facility, reports OK!
In a scene to be broadcast on Wednesday (April 22), the Mitchells unite to help Lexi Pearce (Isabella Brown) after she refuses to go to school.
Sam Mitchell (Kim Medcalf) swiftly calls upon Lexi’s grandfather, Phil, to reach out to the teenager, and they quickly discover the true reason Lexi has been skipping classes.
Later that evening, there’s further devastating news when Sam tells Phil that Nigel’s pneumonia is getting worse.
The following day, word of Nigel’s worsening condition reaches Mark Fowler JR (Stephen Aaron-Sipple), who proposes they contact his father, Grant. Sam, who has also received the all clear for breast cancer after treatment, declines and shortly admits that her brother has failed to return any of her phone calls.
The discussions with her nephew prompt Sam to consider how much the Mitchell siblings have grown apart since their mum, Peggy Mitchell (Barbara Windsor), passed away.
Mark proposes that Nigel’s circumstances might reunite them, and he makes a significant choice. He calls Grant and asks him to return to the Square. Will it prove a joyful reunion between Sam, Phil, and Grant?
Discussing his upcoming return to EastEnders, actor Ross Kemp said: “I’m truly delighted to be stepping back into Grant Mitchell’s shoes and returning to EastEnders later this year,” adding it was an “honour” to be part of two significant storylines.
In a statement, a spokesperson from the soap said: “This year, 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.”
