As *EastEnders* approaches its landmark 40th anniversary, fans are eagerly anticipating the return of one of its most iconic characters, Grant Mitchell, played by Ross Kemp.
Known for his tough-guy persona and explosive temper, Grant has been a central figure in the soap since his debut in 1990.
The actor, now 60, first brought the character to life alongside his on-screen brother Phil (played by Steve McFadden)
and their formidable mother, Peggy Mitchell, portrayed by Barbara Windsor. Grant became synonymous with drama,
from uncovering his brother’s affair with his wife Sharon in 1994 to the tragic death of his wife Tiffany in 1998, making him one of *EastEnders*’ most memorable figures.
In a recent interview, Ross Kemp revealed the unlikely inspiration behind his portrayal of Grant Mitchell, offering a deeper understanding of the character’s complex nature.
While Grant’s behavior might be considered ‘toxic’ by today’s standards, Ross shared that he always saw his character as a victim of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) following his experiences in the Falklands War. The conflict, which took place in 1982, saw British forces fighting Argentina over the sovereignty of the Falkland Islands. With 907 casualties, including 255 British servicemen, the war left a lasting impact on many veterans, and Ross explained that this was a driving force behind Grant’s aggressive and troubled personality.
“The way I played him was as a man who had PTSD after going to the Falklands. To some degree, he’s a victim of his environment as much as anybody else,” Ross said. “People had a lot of attitudes back then that we’d now consider to be toxic. You forget how different things were.” Despite Grant’s rough edges, Ross emphasized that he never considered the character “toxic,” but rather a man shaped by the trauma of war.
Ross’ nuanced portrayal of Grant has always set him apart from other soap characters, showing that the infamous “hard man” was also someone dealing with internal battles. The actor admitted that his return to Walford for the show’s 40th anniversary is both exciting and meaningful. “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 honor,” Ross explained.
Fans can expect Grant’s return to play a significant role in the anniversary storyline. Although the details of his plotline remain under wraps, BBC bosses have teased that it will be an unforgettable moment in the show’s history. Executive producer Chris Clenshaw expressed his excitement, saying, “We are absolutely thrilled to welcome Ross Kemp back to EastEnders as he reprises the legendary role of Grant Mitchell. While 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.”
Grant Mitchell’s previous returns to *EastEnders* have been memorable, with notable stints in 2005 and 2016, when he returned for Barbara Windsor’s final scenes. His character’s story arc saw him leave Walford in 1999 for a new life in Portugal with his daughter Courtney, but now, as part of the anniversary celebrations, fans will see Grant back in the heart of the action.
In addition to his iconic soap role, Ross has built a successful career as a documentary maker, particularly with the BAFTA-winning series *Ross Kemp on Gangs*. His portrayal of Grant Mitchell has continued to resonate with viewers, and it is clear that his character will once again make waves in the lives of Walford residents.
One of the most exciting aspects of the *EastEnders* 40th anniversary is the live episode that will air on February 20, 2025. This historic episode will feature an interactive element where viewers will have the power to influence the outcome of a love story. While the BBC is keeping the details under wraps, this unique twist will allow the public to choose how a major storyline unfolds in real time, adding a new layer of excitement and suspense for fans.
As for Grant Mitchell’s fate, Ross Kemp’s return promises to bring new drama, intrigue, and tension to Walford. With his complex backstory and deep connection to the show’s rich history, Grant’s return is sure to be a pivotal moment in the soap’s anniversary celebrations. Whether he’ll be able to heal old wounds or create more chaos remains to be seen, but one thing is certain – his presence will leave a lasting impact on *EastEnders* fans, both old and new.
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