ROSS Kemp reunites with EastEnders brother Steve McFadden as Grant Mitchell makes epic Walford comeback.
The actor confirmed he is officially back on the set of EastEnders after he shared his first photo with his co-star as he reprises the iconic role of Grant Mitchell.
He has shared a snap from set reuniting with his on-screen brother[/caption]
Grant was last seen in the square back in 2016[/caption]
He will be will be making a long-awaited comeback to the BBC soap opera for the show’s epic 40th anniversary next month.
It was revealed at the turn of the New Year that Ross would be back amid a flurry of high-profile character returns this year.
Now, taking to his Instagram stories, Ross shares a snap with his on-screen brother played by Steve McFadden in the Square with iconic sign.
They both beamed at the camera in their matching attire.
However, character Phil Mitchell rarely smiles these days as he has been secretly struggling with his mental health.
Viewers have watched as Phil has been living in squalor alone after pushing his family and friends away – and in one worrying scene he was tempted by booze after years of sobriety.
Upcoming scenes will see him attempt to take his own life, and spoiler pictures have shown Phil visit Peggy Mitchell grave a this dark time.
He will experience symptoms of psychosis in the form of hallucinations and will see scenes from the Mitchell family home in 1985.
In the hallucinations, Jamie Winstone will reprise her role of a young Peggy Mitchell.
Joining Jamie making a comeback to the soap is George Russo as Eric Mitchell, Daniel Delaney as a young Phil Mitchell, and Teddy Jay as a young Grant Mitchell.
Phil will act as a bystander to a pivotal moment from his adolescence.
Meanwhile, Grant was last seen in 2016 when he returned from mum Peggy Mitchell’s funeral.
Bosses have so far kept tight-lipped on their plans for the shows but a huge fire looks set to destroy the Queen Vic during the jam-packed week.
Confirming his return to the show, Ross said: “I’m delighted to be returning to EastEnders as the show heads towards its 40th anniversary.
Phil Micthell’s biggest EastEnders storylines
Phil Mitchell, a long-running character on EastEnders, has had many storylines, including:
- Alcoholism and addiction: Phil has struggled with alcoholism and addiction to crack cocaine.
- Cirrhosis of the liver: Phil was told he had months to live due to cirrhosis. He eventually received a liver transplant.
- Criminal dealings: Phil has been involved in various criminal dealings.
- Affair with Sharon Watts: Phil had an affair with Sharon Watts, which became known as “Sharongate”.
- Failed marriage to Kathy Beale: Phil was married to Kathy Beale, but their marriage failed.
- Feuds and rivalries: Phil has had many feuds and rivalries, including with his stepson Ian Beale and love rival Steve Owen.
- Murder of Dennis Rickman: Phil sought revenge for the murder of Sharon’s adoptive brother and husband, Dennis Rickman.
- Murder of his uncle Archie: Phil was a prime suspect in the murder of his uncle Archie.
- “Who Shot Phil?”: Phil was shot outside his home in a highly anticipated storyline that was described as a “Dallas-style” whodunnit mystery.
- Loneliness and mental health: Phil may face a storyline related to loneliness and mental health. Some fans speculate that his sibling, Grant, may reappear as a result.
“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.”
Chris Clenshaw, Executive Producer 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.”
Meanwhile, two Walford icons will return to feature in Ross Kemp’s documentary about the soap for its 40th anniversary next month.
As part of celebrations for next month’s anniversary, an hour-long, BBC One documentary special will dive into the show’s most poignant storylines from the last 40 years.
EastEnders: 40 Years on The Square will revisit some of the show’s most poignant and ground-breaking storylines, including the first kiss between two gay men on British television, Kat’s historical abuse storyline, Mark Fowler and Zack’s HIV diagnoses.
Special appearances from EastEnders legends Anita Dobson and Pam St Clement will also feature, with the original landlady taking a trip back down memory lane alongside her on-screen daughter.
Ross said: “It was a privilege to be asked to present this documentary, celebrating 40 years of EastEnders.
“During the making of it I was constantly reminded of the impact EastEnders has, not only on the cast and everyone that works on the show, but also on the audience, as well as the effect it has had culturally in the United Kingdom.
“It also gave me a wonderful opportunity to take a trip down memory lane with some of my dear friends – old and new – and celebrate this special anniversary, it was an absolute honour.”
Jamie’s return comes as Phil battles depression in the soap[/caption]
Pam St Clement will appear in the documentary[/caption]
Anita Dobson will also return for the documentary[/caption]
