EastEnders bosses have announced that Ross Kemp is returning to the soap for an 'explosive' stint as Grant Mitchell.

The actor, 61, previously reprised his role as the Walford hardman as part of the show's 40th Anniversary celebrations last year.

However it's now been announced that Grant will be heading back to Albert Square for several months, and Ross has already begun filming.

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

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.'

Viewers saw Grant make a dramatic return to Walford last year in a bid to make peace with his brother Phil, as he struggled with loneliness and depression.

Its the latest in a string returns that have tied into Nigel's dementia battle, with Pam St Clement reprising her role as Pat Butcher in a special episode over the Christmas period.

Jake Wood also returned to EastEnders last year as Max Branning, while Michelle Ryan has reprised her role as Zoe Slater. 

It comes after it was announced that Jake Moon would be heading back to Walford for a short stint, with his return hitting screens last week.

Jake originally featured from 2004 to 2006, but made a cameo in 2024 as he reunited with Chrissie Watts (Tracy-Ann Oberman).

Chrissie made a shock comeback herself in 2025, where fans learned she had been manipulating Jasmine Fisher (Indeyarna Donaldson-Holness).

Working together, the pair had been behind tormenting Zoe Slater (Michelle Ryan) for weeks.

Zoe is now sitting in prison for Anthony Trueman's (Nicholas Bailey) murder, while Jake resurfaces looking for answers about what happened.