New pictures show Ross Kemp surrounded by fans on the EastEnders set as he films his final scenes as the legendary Grant Mitchell.

The actor and presenter, 61, is reprising his iconic role for an 'explosive' return stint on Albert Square.

Viewers are thrilled about Ross' return to the BBC soap, with some approaching him for autographs as he left set amid filming his final scenes.

Dressed casually, he can be seen chatting with EastEnders fans as they snap some photos.

Viewers saw Grant briefly return to Walford last year due to Nigel's concerns about his brother Phil's deteriorating mental health. 

Ross first played the role from 1990 to 1999, with previous temporary returns in 2005 and 2016. 

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. 

Grants' arrival on Albert Square also comes amid the deteriorating health of long time family friend Nigel. 

Details about Grant's comeback remain under wraps, but viewers can expect plenty of drama.

On his return, actor Ross 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'.

EastEnders Executive Producer, Ben Wadey added: '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…'

Ross originally starred in EastEnders from between 1990 and 1999, and has returned to the soap several times in the subsequent years. 

Thought he has since pursued a career making documentaries, he previously said he owed a 'great debt' to the series.

'Without it, I wouldn't have had the career that I've had. I've always owed it a great debt – it was very good to me, and hopefully I was good to it,' he said, adding that going back to the soap was 'like going home.'

Last month, fans praised the 'best episode ever made' as emotional scenes saw Phil Mitchell bid farewell to Nigel - as the latter was sent to a care home.

Phil (Steve McFadden) has cared for Nigel (Paul Bradley) over several months as he battles early onset dementia.

His condition has worsened as of late, with Phil and Nigel's wife Julie (Karen Henthorn), deciding it is time for him to enter a care home.  

In the poignant installment, Nigel returned to Albert Square and the Queen Vic for one last time.

He enjoyed a cake and a pint with all of his friends and in an emotional moment, briefly recognised his step-daughter Clare (Gemma Bissix).

The episode ended with Phil bidding farewell to his old friend at the care home - and the emotion was palpable.

Speaking to his pal, Phil said: 'I'm sorry, Nigel, for letting you down.

'I love you, Nige, I do. But I can't help, I can't watch...'

Phil's eyes then started welling with tears, as he continued: 'I can't do this.

'I'm sorry, I can't be here for you anymore, Nige. I can't.'

He then gripped Nigel's hand one last time, before walking out of the room while still crying. 

One fan penned: 'Credit where credit is due, today's episode was brilliant, definitely the best of this era so far. That moment where Nigel finally recognised Clare again was particularly poignant.'

Another wrote: 'I feel totally broken,' adding, 'Just so sad seeing how quickly Nigel has worsened.

'The storyline has been done brilliantly and everyone involved as been amazing but it's a tough watch.'

A third person on X said that it was their 'favourite soap episode of the year so far.

'A devastating, community-centred half hour of television that I won't stop thinking about for ages, as the next chapter of Nigel's story begins. That final Phil scene destroyed me.'

While a Reddit user remarked: 'What an incredible, powerful episode.

'Among the rest of it, it is always so moving to see the broken, emotionally vulnerable Phil. Steve McFadden plays it so well.'

'One of, if not the best episode of the Ben Wadey era so far.

'So hard-hitting and sad. Every scene mattered', commented a fifth.