Ross Kemp has clarified his position regarding a permanent return to EastEnders, stating he refuses to commit to a full-time comeback as Grant Mitchell despite his recent appearance during the BBC soap’s 40th anniversary special. The actor, who originally departed the show in 1999 after nine years, prefers to “leave doors swinging” rather than make firm commitments, citing his current documentary career and selective approach to projects as determining factors in his availability for future storylines.
Ross Kemp has clarified his position regarding a permanent return to EastEnders, stating he refuses to rule out future appearances as Grant Mitchell while emphasizing his preference for keeping opportunities open rather than making definitive commitments.
Ross Kemp keeps doors open for future EastEnders appearances as Grant Mitchell rather than committing to permanent return.
The actor, who debuted as Grant Mitchell in 1990 before leaving nine years later, recently addressed speculation about his long-term involvement with the BBC soap following his appearance in the show’s 40th anniversary special.
During comments on Loose Women, Kemp indicated he remains open to selective future appearances, describing his approach as “leaving doors swinging” rather than closing them permanently.
Kemp’s recent return centered on reconnecting with his on-screen brother Phil, though the storyline concluded with Grant returning to Portugal, indicating the appearance was designed as a guest storyline rather than a full-time reengagement.
This temporary return fueled widespread fan speculation about a possible permanent comeback, with social media discussions reflecting nostalgia for classic characters and storylines.
The actor expressed gratitude toward EastEnders for its significant influence on his career trajectory while acknowledging his current commitments as a documentarian and presenter impact his availability for extended acting roles. Kemp described feeling immediate joy when putting on Grant’s iconic leather jacket again during filming.
His selective approach to future commitments reflects a desire to balance other projects with potential acting opportunities, considering offers on a case-by-case basis. The actor noted that returning to EastEnders felt like jumping on a high-speed train due to the show’s demanding production pace.
No official statements from the BBC have confirmed either refusal or offers for a permanent comeback, though Kemp’s stance has contributed to ongoing suspense among viewers.
His approach mirrors broader trends in British soaps, where long-absent characters making occasional comebacks has become common practice, particularly during special episodes designed to boost viewership.
The uncertainty surrounding Grant Mitchell’s long-term inclusion affects future script planning, though Kemp’s emphasis on keeping possibilities open suggests potential for future appearances when compelling storylines arise.
His recent comments reinforce that while he remains fondly connected to the character and show, any future involvement will depend on specific opportunities and his availability rather than a blanket commitment to permanent return.
