Actor Ross Kemp is reportedly set to return to EastEnders 25 years after his exit from Albert Square as the soap marks its 40th anniversary celebrations

An EastEnders icon is set to make a comeback

EastEnders star Ross Kemp is set to make a huge return to the soap, 25 years after his exit.

The actor, 60, is known for playing hardman Grant Mitchell in the BBC soap. He first appeared on Albert Square from 1990 to 1999. The actor then returned for a year in 2005 before leaving again in 2006, before making one more comeback. Ross last made an appearance in 2016, yet fans have speculated that the star might make a return once again for the show’s 40th anniversary.

Earlier this month, Ross was grilled on This Morning about a potential comeback. Despite Alison Hammond and Dermot O’Leary probing the star, he simply replied: “I can tell you nothing.” However, it has now been claimed Ross will be joining in the 40th celebrations.

Since leaving the soap, Ross has hosted a series of hard-hitting factual documentaries. “Ross is joining in celebrations by hosting his own EastEnders documentary,” a source told the Sun. “He will interview stars past and present about why it is so good and how important it is. EastEnders will always have a special place in his heart and he’s really excited.”

Ross is said to be making a documentary for the anniversary(Image: Daily Mirror)

Speaking about his time on the show, Ross said on This Morning: “I am very proud of the show celebrating 40 years and I wouldn’t have had a career, good or bad without it.” He added: “I absolutely love it and I still support it and I would if I had come from Coronation Street or Emmerdale, well I was in Emmerdale Farm briefly before but yeah, I am proud the show is celebrating the 40 years and I will continue to support it as long as I can.”

He added: “I can say no more than that.” Alison said: “If I was a producer though,” Just as she was about to finish her sentence the EastEnders theme song started to play. Dermot got excited as he shouted: “Oh they’ve just smashed it out the park.” Alison continued: “If I was a producer I would bring you back.”

EastEnders producer Chris Clenshaw previously hinted the show’s 40th anniversary could feature the return of classic characters. When asked if some iconic characters from the past could return to EastEnders, the producer told The Sun: “Maybe. It all depends on the story and where the characters are. But it has to come from character, it has to come from story.”When asked by Loose Women ’s Carol McGiffin in 2022 if he missed acting he said: “Is it missing me is the question. My age? Rule out nothing.” Carol replied: “What about EastEnders? If they said, ‘Please come back’, what would you say?” Documentary maker Ross replied: “How much? As long as it was enjoyable, I’d do it.”