EastEnders' Grant Mitchell 'set for unexpected romance' with Walford resident as he returns

EastEnders' Grant Mitchell, played by Ross Kemp, could be in for a surprise new romance in Walford following his return, according to soap fans.

Grant first appeared on the scene back in 1990 alongside his brother Phil (Steve McFadden), quickly becoming one of the show's most iconic characters.

The tough guy left in 1999, only to return in 2005 and again in 2016. This week, however, Grant was back in Walford, much to the delight of EastEnders fans.

Several characters have returned recently in anticipation of EE's 40th anniversary, including Bianca Jackson (Patsy Palmer) and Nigel Bates (Paul Bradley). Now, Grant has also made his return.

As viewers will remember, his brother Phil is currently grappling with mental health issues, suffering from depression and psychosis. In Thursday's heart-wrenching episode (February 13), viewers were given a glimpse into his hallucinations, featuring several significant figures from his past.

Phil journeyed 'back in time' to his teenage years, revisiting his childhood home where he grew up with Grant and his sister Samantha (Danniella Westbrook/Kim Medcalf). He also encountered his younger self and his mother, Peggy Mitchell (Jamie Winstone), reports Plymouth Live.

After an emotional conversation with his mother Peggy, Phil was abruptly brought back to the present day in his home holding a gun. Nigel arrived and suggested that Phil might appreciate seeing a familiar face.

Then, Grant appeared in the doorway, much to Phil's relief. The return of Grant to EastEnders was announced earlier this year, coinciding with the soap's 40th anniversary next week. Now that Grant is back in Albert Square, fans have speculated about his potential new love interest.

Online chatter suggests viewers are