Ross Kemp has revealed the simple gesture that it would take to seal Grant Mitchell’s permanent return – despite branding the soap a ‘tough old gig’. 

The TV star first appeared on EastEnders back in 1990 as the legendary Walford hard man who’s brother was Phil (Steve McFadden) and mother was the iconic Queen Vic landlady Peggy (Barbara Windsor).

Ross, 60, left the show back in 1999 but recently returned back to the Square back in February to host the soap’s 40th anniversary special.

However, he has revealed exactly what would need to happen for him to consider reprising his role for good, according to The Sun.

The actor has divulged that it would take his on-screen brother Phil to ask him to come back. 

When asked what he would say if Steve popped the question about returning, Ross told the publication: ‘Of course, I would if he asked me. He’s my friend, we’ve worked closely together.’

Ross Kemp (pictured) has revealed the simple gesture that it would take to seal Grant Mitchell’s permanent return – despite branding the soap a ‘tough old gig’

The TV star first appeared on EastEnders back in 1990 as the legendary Walford hard man who’s brother was Phil (Steve McFadden, right) and mother was the iconic Queen Vic landlady Peggy (Barbara Windsor)

The actor has divulged that it would take his on-screen brother Phil to ask him to come back

Read More Ross Kemp reveals he is open to making a return to EastEnders as Grant Mitchell but that it’s ‘down to the BBC’

However, he had some hesitations over whether he would be able to balance his documentary work and playing Grant full time. 

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

He described how the ‘hours are long’ and working on the soap is a ‘tough old gig’. 

Though Ross didn’t completely rule the return out and added, ‘Who knows? You never say never.’

He went on to elaborate that at some points during his career ‘it didn’t feel right’ but his recent appearance ‘suited’ him. 

Ross said he was grateful for his character giving him so many opportunities and that his return in February was a way of thanking Grant and the soap. 

He did return to EastEnders for a brief stint between 2005 and 2006 and again in 2016 when on-screen mother Barbara Windsor’s Peggy Mitchell died.

However, he had some hesitations over whether he would be able to balance his documentary work and playing Grant full time

Though Ross didn’t completely rule the return out and added, ‘Who knows? You never say never.’

Ross has previously said he is open to returning to EastEnders and back in 2020 he told Entertainment Daily: ‘I don’t think you ever rule it out. But that would be down to the BBC, that’s not down to me.

‘I would never say no to going back to anything. I’ve always enjoyed acting and if an acting role came along, I would take it if it was something that I thought I would enjoy.’

Referencing the difficulties 2020 presented for the world, Ross went on: ‘Like everybody else, beggars can’t be choosers right now. We all take what we can get while we can because who knows what the future holds.

‘It’s been a very, very tough year. I haven’t suffered as badly as others but I think everybody in their own way is finding it tough.’

EastEnders airs on BBC One and is available to stream on iPlayer.