Ross Kemp is bringing a special treat to young viewers as he takes on the role of storyteller for CBeebies Bedtime Story. In a fitting nod to his iconic EastEnders character, 

Grant Mitchell, Kemp will read The Squirrels Who Squabbled by Rachel Bright and Jim Field—an amusing yet heartwarming tale about two squirrels struggling to share.

His appearance comes as he makes a highly anticipated return to EastEnders for its 40th-anniversary celebrations, reprising his role as the fiery and headstrong Grant Mitchell. 

Fans of the long-running BBC soap will undoubtedly appreciate the clever link between Kemp’s bedtime story 

and the on-screen sibling rivalry between Grant and his brother, Phil Mitchell (Steve McFadden).

A Story About Squabbling Squirrels—And Squabbling Mitchells

For his CBeebies Bedtime Story episode, Kemp reads the tale of Cyril and Bruce, two squirrels who both want to claim the last nut of the season. Their inability to share leads to chaos, but ultimately, they learn that working together is far better than fighting.

Kemp, reflecting on the story’s message, said:

“Cyril and Bruce realised it’s much easier, and much more fun, to work together than it is to fight. We all fall out with people sometimes – and even brothers can squabble.”

His words are particularly fitting given Grant and Phil Mitchell’s tumultuous history in EastEnders. The brothers have been at odds numerous times over the years, often due to their complicated love lives. One of the most infamous storylines saw Phil betray Grant by having an affair with his wife, Sharon Watts (Letitia Dean), leading to an explosive fallout. Years later, Grant got his revenge by sleeping with Phil’s former wife, Kathy Beale (Gillian Taylforth), reigniting their long-standing sibling tensions.

Their clashes, however, are balanced by moments of deep brotherly loyalty, making them one of the most iconic duos in British soap history.

A Star-Studded List of CBeebies Storytellers

Kemp joins a prestigious list of celebrities who have previously taken on the CBeebies Bedtime Story role. Past readers include Hollywood A-listers such as Reese Witherspoon, Olivia Colman, Idris Elba, and Tom Hardy, as well as music stars like Billie Eilish, Kylie Minogue, Sir Elton John, and Harry Styles. Sports legends such as Lewis Hamilton have also taken a turn in the storytelling chair, making Kemp’s appearance another exciting addition to the lineup.

EastEnders’ 40th-Anniversary Celebrations

Kemp’s return to EastEnders comes as the show marks its 40th anniversary with special programming. Alongside his comeback as Grant Mitchell, the BBC is airing a special 45-minute interview hosted by former cast member Joe Swash. Additionally, a documentary titled EastEnders: 40 Years On The Square will be fronted by Kemp himself, taking a deep dive into the show’s legacy and cultural impact.

Kemp has been absent from EastEnders for nearly a decade, with his last appearance in 2016 during his on-screen mother Peggy Mitchell’s (Dame Barbara Windsor) emotional farewell episode. His return is highly anticipated, especially as Grant is expected to play a crucial role in the dramatic events unfolding for his brother Phil.

Football and Soap Collide with West Ham Cameo

As part of the 40th-anniversary celebrations, EastEnders has also welcomed West Ham United captain Jarrod Bowen for a special cameo. The footballer, who is engaged to Love Island star Dani Dyer, recorded a heartfelt message for Billy Mitchell (Perry Fenwick) ahead of his wedding to fiancée Honey Mitchell (Emma Barton).

Appearing via video message in Wednesday’s episode, Bowen told Billy:

“I want to say a massive congratulations and good luck from myself and all of us here at West Ham. Enjoy your special day and hopefully we’ll see you at the London Stadium soon.”

When and Where to Watch

For those eager to catch Kemp’s storytelling moment, his CBeebies Bedtime Story episode will air at 6:50 pm on Monday on CBeebies and will also be available to watch on BBC iPlayer.

As Kemp takes a brief detour from Albert Square to the world of bedtime stories, his latest venture offers a fun, family-friendly twist on the feuding Mitchell brothers—proving that even the toughest characters have a soft side.

Follow us to see more useful information, as well as to give us more motivation to update more useful information for you.