Ross Kemp has revealed the unlikely inspiration for his iconic EastEnders character Grant Mitchell, ahead of his return for the soap’s 40th anniversary.

The actor, 60, first appeared as the legendary Walford hard man in 1990, alongside brother Phil (Steve McFadden) before being joined by their mother and future Queen Vic landlady Peggy (Barbara Windsor).

Famed for his bullish temper and nonsense atтιтue, Grant was involved in some of the show’s biggest storylines before leaving in 1999 for a new life overseas.

Speaking ahead of his return to Walford Ross accepted while some of the character’s traits could be considered ‘toxic’ in 2025, he had always envisioned and played Grant as a victim of PTSD following the Falklands.

The Falklands war was a 74-day conflict in 1982 between the UK and Argentina. The two countries fought over the sovereignty of the Falkland Islands in the South Atlantic Ocean. 907 people died, including 255 British servicemen, 649 Argentinian military personnel, and three Falkland Islanders.

The actor told The Sun:  ‘People had a lot of atтιтudes back then that we’d now consider to be toxic, You forget how different things were’.

Ross Kemp has revealed the unlikely inspiration for his iconic EastEnders character Grant Mitchell, ahead of his return for the soap’s 40th anniversary

The actor, 60, first appeared as the hard man in 1990, alongside brother Phil ( Steve McFadden) before being joined by their mother and future Queen Vic landlady Peggy (Barbara Windsor)

Famed for his bullish temper and nonsense atтιтue, Grant was involved in some of the show’s biggest storylines before leaving in 1999 for a new life overseas 

‘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’.

Before adding: ‘He’s certainly masculine, but I don’t think he’s toxic.’

Ross said he was ‘delighted’ to return to the show that made his name: ‘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 honour.’

‘Grant has never been far from the action and let’s just say, this time is no different as he certainly comes back with a bang.’ 

Grant Mitchell 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).

Playing on his notorious character’s image, Ross has found success as a documentary maker covering the criminal underworld, including the BAFTA award-winning television series Ross Kemp on Gangs.

Ross accepted while some of the character’s traits could be considered ‘toxic’ in 2025, he had always envisioned and played Grant as a victim of PTSD following the Falklands (pictured 1995)

The Falklands war was a 74-day conflict in 1982 between the UK and Argentina. The two countries fought over the sovereignty of the Falkland Islands in the South Atlantic Ocean 

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’s storyline is currently being held under wraps, however, BBC bosses say that his return will ‘play a significant part in the show’s 40th anniversary’.

Chris Clenshaw the Executive Producer of EastEnders added: ‘We are absolutely thrilled to welcome Ross Kemp back to EastEnders as he reprises the legendary role of Grant Mitchell.’

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‘Whilst 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.’

EastEnders is going live for one episode only as will let the public decide the fate of the storyline for the first time in honour of its 40th anniversary.

For the show’s anniversary, the week will feature an exciting twist and include an interactive element to show and potentially break the fourth wall.

Fans will have the power to choose the outcome they desire for a love story.

The BBC is keeping a тιԍнт lid on the love story, adding an extra layer of mystery and excitement for the viewers who will ultimately decide its fate.

The outcome of the public’s choice will played out live during a live episode as the cast and crew will be prepared to adapt to the scene picked out by the public.

The episode will broadcast live from BBC Elstree Centre in February, 2025.