EastEnders legend's return confirmed 34 years after debut as soap boss promises 'unmissable TV'

EastEnders icon Grant Mitchell is making his way back to Albert Square, the BBC soap confirmed on Wednesday (January 1).

Ross Kemp will reprise his legendary role as troublemaker Grant as the soap celebrates its milestone 40th anniversary. The former mechanic was last seen in Walford eight years ago and has been living in Portugal ever since.

Since Grant arrived in the Square in 1990, he has been at the heart of some iconic plots alongside his brother Phil (Steve McFadden), as the pair rose to prominence as the famous Mitchell brothers.

But Phil and Grant have both suffered heartache and loss including the death of their beloved mum Peggy Mitchell (Barbara Windsor). But in recent EastEnders episodes, it is Phil who is at the centre of a heartbreaking storyline that has seen the character isolate himself from family and friends and hints at signs of depression.

Phil and Grant's estranged best friend Nigel Bates (Paul Bradley) has also made a shock return in another epic comeback, with more yet to be revealed about his own struggles.

Now, EastEnders bosses have revealed Grant heads back to Walford in the lead-up to February's 40th anniversary episodes, although they are remaining tight-lipped on what exactly brings him back, while it's been teased the scenes will be "explosive".

Grant has been living in Portugal ever since he left back in September 2016 following Peggy Mitchell's death. Now, he is set to return for a "short stint" in the New Year to reunite with Phil and Nigel, and will also discover ex-wife Sharon (Letitia Dean) is now dating his long lost cousin Teddy Mitchell (Roland Manookian).

Teasing Grant "comes back with a bang", Ross has promised fans there would be some "action" ahead as he opens up about