The Mitchells are back! First look at Grant’s explosive EastEnders return

It’s a moment EastEnders fans have longed for and it’s one that is almost upon us, with Ross Kemp’s comeback as Grant Mitchell reuniting him with siblings Sam and Phil together for the first time in a decade.

Be still our beating hearts.

It’s been almost four decades since the dawn of the Mitchell era in Walford, with Grant and Phil (Steve McFadden) rocking up in the Square all the way back in 1990, with Sam following shortly after.

While all three characters have popped up at various points throughout the subsequent three decades – with Phil remaining a permanent fixture of the Square for pretty much of all it – the trio have rarely been together at the same time outside of that initial stint so this reunion truly is a big moment for the show.

Grant, meanwhile, made a historic return last year as part of EastEnders’ 40th anniversary to be there for brother Phil amid his mental health crisis and, as fans hoped at the time, he’s on his way back to be there for Nigel.

Estranged son Mark Fowler Jr (Stephen Aaron-Sipple) is initially responsible for bringing Grant back, suggesting that he contact the show legend after receiving word that Nigel’s pneumonia has worsened.

Sam tells him it’s fruitless, revealing that she’s tried getting in touch with Grant numerous times to no avail – and she’s struck with just how far they’ve drifted apart following the death of their mum Peggy (Barbara Windsor).

Fans had hoped that Sam – who staged an unexpected comeback last year -would be around for Grant’s return, with viewers delighted when they learned that star Kim would be staying put for now after Sam’s cancer storyline reached its conclusion.

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Discussing his EastEnders return, Ross Kemp said earlier this year: ‘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 airs Mondays to Thursdays at 7:30pm on BBC One or stream from 6am on BBC iPlayer.

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