Soap legend Ross Kemp has delivered a definitive blow to hopeful EastEnders fans, shutting down persistent rumours of a comeback as the iconic Grant Mitchell. The actor and documentary filmmaker has branded the widespread speculation as "complete nonsense" in a no-nonsense statement.
Speaking candidly, the 59-year-old confirmed he has absolutely no plans to make a dramatic return to Walford, putting an end to years of fan theory and online chatter. Kemp first exploded onto our screens as the tough Mitchell brother in 1990, becoming a cornerstone of the BBC One juggernaut for nearly a decade.
His final, full-time stint concluded in 1999, though he has made several brief, explosive returns over the years—the last being in 2016 for the funeral of on-screen mother Peggy Mitchell, played by the late Barbara Windsor.
The Speculation Mill Grinds to a Halt
Rumours of Kemp's return have been a constant fixture in the soap world, often fuelled by cryptic social media posts and fan wishful thinking. However, Kemp has now drawn a firm line under the gossip.
"That's all just nonsense, complete nonsense," he stated, making his position unmistakably clear. This definitive denial is sure to disappoint a significant portion of the EastEnders audience who have long hoped for Grant to once again walk into the Queen Vic.
A Life Beyond the Square
Since leaving the cobbles of Albert Square, Kemp has forged an incredibly successful career away from soap operas. He is now globally renowned for his gritty, hard-hitting documentary series, particularly Ross Kemp on Gangs, which saw him investigate some of the world's most dangerous criminal organisations.
This path has taken him far from the fictional world of Walford, focusing instead on real-life stories of conflict and social issues. His work has earned him critical acclaim and a BAFTA award, solidifying his status as a serious broadcaster and journalist.
While Grant Mitchell remains one of British television's most memorable characters, it appears Ross Kemp has well and truly hung up Grant's leather jacket for good, choosing to focus on his documentary projects and other acting ventures instead of a sensational soap return.
