EastEnders icon Grant Mitchell stands side-by-side with siblings Phil and Sam as he returns to Walford - after a life-changing call from estranged son Mark.

Played by Ross Kemp, Grant originally appeared in the BBC soap as a regular from 1990 to 1999.

Ross, 61, who reprised the role briefly in 2005, 2006, 2016 and 2025 - is heading back for another stint on Albert Square. 

As well as Grant's siblings, he will also reunite with estranged son Mark Fowler Jr (Stephen Aaron-Sipple) - for the first time in a decade.

EastEnders bosses first announced back in February that Ross would be returning as Grant once again.

The character briefly returned last year due to best friend Nigel's (Paul Bradley) concerns about Phil's (Steve McFadden) mental wellbeing.

His reappearance this year comes amid Nigel's own deteriorating health, due to early onset dementia. 

On his return, Ross said previously: '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…'

Earlier this month, Ross was surrounded by fans on the EastEnders set as he filmed his final scenes.

Dressed casually, he could be seen chatting with EastEnders fans as they snapped some photos. 

Since first leaving EastEnders, Ross has since pursued a career making documentaries, but 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.' 

It comes after another fan-favourite EastEnders character made a surprise return last month - after seven years away.

Cora Cross, who is played by Ann Mitchell, had last been seen on the soap back in November 2018 during a guest appearance.

Her character formally left the square in 2015 after the death of her partner, Stan Carter - having first appeared on the long-running series in 2011. 

It followed on from tense scenes in 2017, where Cora was seen slapping her former son-in-law Max Branning (Jake Wood) across the face after after his daughters plummeted from the pub roof while trying to stop his suicide in a dramatic Christmas episode. 

One viewer wrote on X: 'Great to see Cora back for an episode. She's so funny.'

Another added: 'It was good to see Cora back. Nice surprise. #EastEnders.'

A third said: 'Great to have Cora Cross back for one episode. "The Bag Lady" Ann Mitchell looking well good too.' 

While a fourth agreed: 'How brilliant to see Cora return - just what we need. Loved all her scenes - glad we got to see her bond with Oscar - that was wonderful!' 

EastEnders airs on BBC One and iPlayer.