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EastEnders: Ross Kemp confirms his return to the show

ross kemp
Gemma Strong
Online Digital News Director
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EastEnders fans will finally see the Mitchell brothers reunited on screen in the spring, when Ross Kemp returns as Grant Mitchell for the first time in a decade. Grant was last seen on the BBC soap back in 2006 – but Ross has confirmed he will make an emotional comeback this year.It was revealed at the weekend that Barbara Windsor will be bowing out of EastEnders for good in 2016 – but not before her dying character Peggy is seen together with her boys, Phil and Grant, for one last time.

ross kemp © Photo: Getty Images

Ross Kemp has confirmed he is returning to EastEnders as Grant Mitchell

"When I was approached about returning to EastEnders for Barbara's final episodes, it was something I could not turn down," 51-year-old Ross said of his appearance. "Barbara is a very close friend so when I learned of the storyline it felt right that the Mitchell brothers are reunited with their mother for the last time."I'm really looking forward to going back to EastEnders and filming what are set to be some classic episodes. "Ross first appeared in EastEnders in 1990, when he arrived in Albert Square with his onscreen brother Phil, played by Steve McFadden.

mitchell brothers © Photo: Rex

The Mitchell brothers pictured together in 1991

Speaking about what the Mitchell family reunion will mean to viewers, executive producer Dominic Treadwell-Collins said: "Ross Kemp is top of every EastEnders fan's return wish list. And being an EastEnders fans myself, he has been at the top of mine. "Grant Mitchell is an EastEnders legend and finally he is returning home to Walford to say goodbye to his mother and be reunited not just with his old loves, but also his brother. To have the Mitchell brothers come face to face again, having to face losing their mother, is an opportunity to show Ross Kemp and Steve McFadden at their very best. "We are all so excited finally to have Ross back on the Square – and to have Ross Kemp, Barbara Windsor, Steve McFadden, Letitia Dean and Gillian Taylforth all on screen together at the same time as Peggy makes an exit like no other. This promises to be something very special."