EastEnders first-look pictures reveal Grant's return – and Mitchell family reunion after 10 years
April 16, 2026
There's not long to wait to see Grant back in Albert Square.
First-look images have confirmed the highly anticipated return of Grant Mitchell to Albert Square, heralding a major family reunion for one of Walford’s most famous dynasties. Actor Ross Kemp is set to reprise his role as the iconic hard man, with his on-screen comeback scheduled for later this month. The return marks the first time in a decade that Grant will be seen alongside his brother Phil and sister Sam, a significant moment for the Mitchell family who were last seen together for the funeral of their matriarch, Peggy Mitchell, in 2016. The reunion promises to be a dramatic and emotional affair, set in motion by a call from a family member in desperate need.
The catalyst for Grant’s return from his life in Portugal is a summons from his estranged son, Mark Fowler Jr. This storyline will bring the father and son face-to-face for the first time since Mark discovered his true parentage years ago. Pre-release photographs depict a tense but pivotal meeting in the familiar setting of the Mitchell family kitchen, with Phil and Sam also present. The implications for the family dynamic are substantial, as Grant must navigate the complexities of building a relationship with a son he never knew while re-establishing his place within the volatile Mitchell clan.
Beyond the immediate family drama, Grant's return is also deeply connected to the heart-wrenching storyline of a longtime friend. He will be drawn back to support Nigel Bates, who is battling the advanced stages of young-onset dementia. Grant had previously offered Nigel a home in Portugal to help with his care, an offer that was declined at the time. With Nigel's health now rapidly deteriorating, Grant's presence will add another layer of emotional weight as the residents of Albert Square grapple with the friend's tragic decline. Kemp, the actor behind Grant, has noted this particular storyline holds personal significance for him due to a family connection with dementia.
The Mitchell brothers, Grant and Phil, have been at the center of some of EastEnders' most memorable moments since their introduction in 1990. Their turbulent relationship, famously tested during the "Sharongate" storyline that drew over 25 million viewers, has long been a cornerstone of the soap opera. Grant’s last brief appearance was in February 2025 for the show's 40th anniversary, when he returned out of concern for Phil's mental health. Now, with his sister Sam also in Walford, the stage is set for a full reunion of the siblings, though his sister initially expressed reluctance about his return.
As the date for Grant's on-screen appearance on April 27th approaches, viewers are anticipating the inevitable drama that follows him. The convergence of his reunion with an unknown son, the fragile truce with his brother, and the somber circumstances surrounding Nigel's health are poised to create an explosive and compelling narrative. The coming weeks will likely focus on whether the Mitchells can unite as a family to face their collective challenges or if old wounds and new conflicts will once again tear them apart.
Source: radiotimes