For fans of British television, few moments are as highly anticipated as the reunion of the iconic Mitchell siblings in EastEnders. After more than a decade apart, Grant, Phil, and Sam Mitchell will once again stand side by side in Walford, marking a historic moment in the show’s long and eventful history. The return of Ross Kemp as Grant Mitchell—set to air in an episode on Monday, April 27, 2026—has already ignited excitement among viewers, who have followed the tumultuous journey of the Mitchell family since the brothers first arrived on Albert Square in 1990.
The latest twist in the saga comes after a life-changing call from Grant’s estranged son, Mark Fowler Jr. According to Metro, it’s Mark who reaches out to his father after learning that Grant’s old friend, Nigel Bates, is suffering from advanced dementia and has recently taken a turn for the worse with pneumonia. The urgency of Nigel’s declining health, combined with the fractured relationship between Grant and Mark, sets the stage for an emotional and dramatic return—one that promises to bring old wounds and new revelations to the surface.
Phil Mitchell, played by Steve McFadden, has been a steady presence in Walford, supporting both Nigel and his wife Julie as their primary carers. Phil’s own struggles with mental health were a major storyline during the show’s 40th anniversary last year, with Nigel playing a crucial role in helping him through the crisis. Grant’s brief appearance during that milestone event saw him reconnect with Phil, but this upcoming reunion will be the first time all three siblings—Grant, Phil, and Sam—share the screen together in over ten years. As ATV Today points out, this is a moment fans have longed for, given how rarely the trio have been united since their original run in the early 1990s.
Sam Mitchell, portrayed by Kim Medcalf, also made an unexpected comeback last year, following a gripping cancer storyline that resonated with viewers. Her continued presence in the Square ensures that the Mitchell family reunion will be complete, offering a rare glimpse into the complicated dynamics that have defined the clan for nearly four decades. Sam’s attempts to reach out to Grant in the past had gone unanswered, highlighting the emotional distance that has grown between the siblings, especially after the death of their mother, Peggy Mitchell (the late Barbara Windsor).
The significance of Grant’s return is not lost on Ross Kemp himself. In a statement shared by Metro and Daily Mail, Kemp said, “I’m truly delighted to be stepping back into Grant Mitchell’s shoes and returning to EastEnders later this year. As well as exploring Grant’s attempts to reconnect with his son Mark, it’s especially an honour to be part of Nigel’s powerful ongoing dementia storyline, which holds deep personal meaning for me due to a close family connection in real life.”
Executive Producer Ben Wadey echoed this sentiment, telling Daily Mail, “We are absolutely thrilled to welcome Ross back once more to the legendary role of Grant. The Mitchells remain one of EastEnders’ defining dynasties, and we can’t wait to see them reunited again. As always when Grant is around, drama inevitably follows him…”
Grant’s character has long been a cornerstone of EastEnders, known for his volatile relationships and high-stakes drama. His storylines have included everything from the infamous 1994 “Sharongate” plot—where he exposed his wife Sharon’s affair with Phil in front of a packed Queen Vic, drawing more than 25 million viewers—to the tragic death of his wife Tiffany Mitchell in 1998, and a complicated on-off romance with Sharon. Over the years, Grant’s returns have been marked by major family revelations, including the discovery that he fathered a son, Mark Jr., with Michelle Fowler.
According to ATV Today, the latest return is shrouded in secrecy, but the circumstances—a call from Mark Jr., unresolved tensions with Phil, and the emotional weight of Nigel’s illness—suggest that the Mitchells are in for another round of high-octane drama. For Grant, reconnecting with his son for the first time in a decade is a storyline that promises both heartache and hope, as the two attempt to bridge the gap left by years of estrangement.
It’s not just the Mitchells who are making headlines. The return of another fan-favorite character, Cora Cross (played by Ann Mitchell), last month after seven years away, has delighted viewers and reminded everyone of the show’s knack for surprise comebacks. As Daily Mail notes, fans took to social media to express their joy, with one writing, “Great to see Cora back for an episode. She’s so funny.” Another said, “How brilliant to see Cora return—just what we need.”
For Ross Kemp, returning to EastEnders is more than just a professional milestone. Since first leaving the show, Kemp has built a celebrated career as an award-winning documentary-maker, earning a BAFTA for his investigative journalism. Yet, as he told Daily Mail, “Without it, I wouldn’t have had the career that I’ve had. I’ve always owed it a great debt—it was very good to me, and hopefully I was good to it.” He described returning to the soap as “like going home,” underscoring the deep connection many actors and viewers feel toward the show and its characters.
EastEnders continues to air Mondays to Thursdays at 7:30pm on BBC One, with episodes available to stream from 6am on BBC iPlayer. The show’s enduring popularity is a testament to its ability to evolve with the times while staying true to the emotional heart of its stories. As the Mitchell siblings prepare to face their past and present together, fans can expect a blend of nostalgia, family tension, and the kind of drama that has kept audiences tuning in for nearly forty years.
With the Mitchell dynasty once again at the center of Walford’s storm, viewers are bracing themselves for a reunion that promises to be as explosive as it is heartfelt. For old fans and new, the return of Grant, Phil, and Sam is a reminder of why EastEnders remains one of Britain’s most beloved soaps.