Ross Kemp reveals future on EastEnders after anniversary return and heartbreaking Grant Mitchell exit

TOUGH guy Ross Kemp has lifted the lid on his emotional return to EastEnders – and the one thing that would bring Grant Mitchell back for good.

The TV hardman, now a celebrated documentary maker, made a sensational comeback for the show’s 40th anniversary alongside fellow Walford legends Patsy Palmer and Paul Bradley.

But after his on-screen brother Phil’s recovery from a mental health scare, Grant walked again, while asking best pal Nigel to go to Portugal with him.

His departure left fans with unanswered questions – from Grant’s flirtation with Linda (Kellie Bright) to the shocking revelation that Mark Fowler Jnr knows Grant is actually his dad.

But does that mean Ross will be back?

Fans were left clinging to hope, with the door left wide open for his return.

And now, Ross, 60, has admitted he owes EastEnders a lot – and would consider reprising his role permanently if his old mate Steve McFadden (Phil Mitchell) personally asked him.

Speaking exclusively to The Sun, Ross said: “I loved it.

“Kate Phillips [BBC Controller of Entertainment] asked me to do the 40th anniversary documentary, and I was very thankful. I’ve got a lot of respect for Kate.

“It was weird going back, but amazing to see so many familiar faces, people I’d worked with since 1989. It’s a home from home.

Ross was thrilled to reunite with his on-screen family, including McFadden, Letitia Dean (Sharon Watts), Paul Bradley (Nigel Bates), and Patsy Palmer (Bianca Jackson).

“It was great working with Steve again,” he admitted. “And with Paul, Letitia, Patsy – they were the four I worked with most.

“I’ve been very lucky to be able to go off around the world and make documentaries.

“But it’s also quite nice to be there.”

And if McFadden asked him to return?

“Of course, I would if he asked me,” Ross confessed.

“He’s my friend, we’ve worked closely together.

“But would I still be able to make documentaries? Would I still do Bridge of Lies?

“Working on EastEnders, if you’re in the major story lines it’s a very long day. You use a lot of energy.

“The hours are long. It’s a tough old gig and I have take my hat off to Steve for maintaining such a high level of performance for 35 years. It’s an incredible achievment.”

Whether he’s back cracking skulls in the Queen Vic with Phil or uncovering real-life crime, one thing’s for sure – Ross Kemp is always up for a challenge.

He is also back on screens grilling contestants this year, hosting game show Bridge of Lies, which instantly became a hit with BBC One viewers when it launched in 2022.

“Who knows? You never say never,” he added about a return to EastEnders.

“The window suited me this time, but at other points in my career, it didn’t feel right,” Ross explained.

“I’m not ever going to run from Grant.

“He gave me the opportunity to do so many other things. I owe him, and I owe the show a lot. This (return) was my way of saying thank you.”

Nowadays, Ross may not be throwing Mitchell-style punches on screen, but he’s still fighting fit.

“Yeah, I’ve been focusing on my health. I don’t play golf, I don’t do those things – I like a bit of boxing, weight training, body conditioning,” he said.

“It pays off later in life, but you have to keep an eye on it.

“You’ve got to watch your waistline as you get older. I’ve struggled, but I seem to be winning the battle at the moment.”

And yes, he did squeeze back into Grant’s iconic leather jacket.

“That made me happy,” he laughed.

Ross is also encouraging everyone to take control of their energy usage with a smart meter.

saying: “Honestly the average family saves around £140 a year – but that can be more, it’s up to you.

“It tells you exactly what you’re burning. If things are on that don’t need to be, you just turn them off.”