EastEnders has announced a new spin-off show which Walford legend Ross Kemp will host for the soap’s 40th anniversary.

EastEnders: 40 Years on The Square, a documentary that tracks iconic moments from the show over the years, will see a string of iconic stars return to screens.

To mark the occasion, the hour-long BBC One special will dive behind the scenes to access some of its most poignant storylines from the last four decades.

The new spin-off will be fronted by actor and presenter Ross Kemp, best known to EastEnders viewers as the infamous Grant Mitchell.

Some of the storylines explored will see Kat’s historical abuse storyline as well as Mark Fowler and Zack’s HIV diagnoses.

It will also share a behind-the-scenes insight as Ross speaks to some of the actors directly involved in those storylines. Many of them tackled themes and issues that had never been featured on primetime British TV before.

EastEnders has announced a new spin-off show which Walford legend Ross Kemp will host for the soap’s 40th anniversary

EastEnders: 40 Years on The Square, a documentary hosted by Ross Kemp (Grant Mitchell)  that tracks iconic moments from the show over the years, will see a string of iconic stars return to screens

Some of the cast members will include show stalwarts Adam Woodyatt (Ian Beale), Gillian Taylforth (Kathy Cotton) and Leтιтia Dean (Sharon Watts).

Special appearances from EastEnders legends Anita Dobson and Pam St Clement will also be featured, with the original landlady taking a trip down memory lane alongside her on-screen daughter.

Read More Grant Mitchell returns to EastEnders! Ross Kemp set to reprise his role ahead of 40th anniversary

And Ross’s return to Albert Square be one of many as he has reprised the role of Grant and will arrive back in Walford as the show heads towards its 40th anniversary in February.

Speaking of the new documentary, Ross Kemp said: ‘It was a privilege to be asked to present this documentary, celebrating 40 years of EastEnders.

‘During the making of it I was constantly reminded of the impact EastEnders has, not only on the cast and everyone that works on the show, but also on the audience, as well as the effect it has had culturally in the United Kingdom.

‘It also gave me a wonderful opportunity to take a trip down memory lane with some of my dear friends – old and new – and celebrate this special anniversary, it was an absolute honour.’

Executive Producer Joe Ingham added: ‘EastEnders has had a transformative effect on television audiences for forty years – myself included.

‘It has been a privilege to work with the legend that is Ross Kemp and an honour to spend time in Walford, revealing a never before seen side of Albert Square, forging emotional family reunions, and exploring the impact its residents have and continue to have beyond E20.’

The actor made his mark as one of half of the legendary Mitchell brothers, and loving son to Queen Vic landlady Peggy Mitchell (pictured with Barbara Windsor and Steve McFadden)

Ross joined the show almost 35 years ago and soon made his mark as one of half of the legendary Mitchell brothers alongside Phil (Steve McFadden), and loving son to Queen Vic landlady Peggy Mitchell, who was played by the late Dame Barbara Windsor.

Grant has been part of some of the most memorable storylines in soap history including uncovering his brother’s affair with his wife Sharon in 1994, the death of his second wife Tiffany who was run over by Grant’s stepfather Frank Butcher on New Year’s Eve 1998, and the Mitchell brothers car crash in 1999. 

It is not his first return to Albert Square after his initial stint from 1990-1999, he returned for a year in 2005, and again in 2016 for Dame Barbara’s final scenes with her sons.

His character later returned to Portugal with daughter Courtney (Megan Jossa).