GRANT Mitchell is set to make a bombshell return to EastEnders ahead of the soap’s 40th Anniversary.
Ross Kemp, 60, was left gushing about his return to the long-running BBC One serial drama.
It’s been confirmed the legendary hard-man will return to EastEnders for a short stint in the new year.
Speaking ahead of his highly-anticipated comeback, the actor stated: “I’m delighted to be returning to EastEnders as the show heads towards its 40th anniversary.
“EastEnders has always meant so much to me, so to return as the show is about to celebrate such a special anniversary, is an absolute honour.”
Adding: “Grant has never been far from the action and let’s just say, this time is no different as he certainly comes back with a bang.”
However, many fans thought they had known this news for some time as we take a look at some major clues.
After 26 years away from Albert Square, Paul Bradley made a shocking comeback to Walford as Nigel Bates.
His character was famous for his long-standing friendship with both of the Mitchell brothers, but particularly with Grant.
When Nigel first appeared on-screen, he seemed to be in a rough way as he sought to find Phil (Steve McFadden) who was struggling himself.
However, many fans were confused by the storyline as he was mainly known for his relationship with Grant.
Could Nigel’s comeback be the first signal for the return of Peggy’s other son?
Back in September, actor and documentary presenter Ross was welcomed onto ITV as he appeared on the This Morning sofa.
Alison Hammond couldn’t help but ask about the prospect of a future return, as she exclaimed: “Now I can’t let you go until we ask you about the EastEnders rumours.”
The Great British Bake Off star then went onto ask: “What is going on, are you going back for the 40th anniversary? Tell us what’s going on.”
In return, Ross left nothing but gushing praise for his former workplace, as he quipped: “I can tell you nothing.
“I am very proud of the show celebrating 40 years and I wouldn’t have had a career, good or bad without it.”
In the most telling note, he admitted that he would ‘continue to support’ his colleagues in the long-running soap.
He added: “I absolutely love it and I still support it.
“I am proud the show is celebrating the 40 years and I will continue to support it as long as I can.”
At Christmas, viewers tuned into BBC One to see the huge reveal of Cindy Beale’s (Michelle Collins) affair with Junior Knight (Micah Balfour).
She was left humiliated at the hands of Lauren Branning (Jacqueline Jossa) as a recording of her shocking confession to ex-lover David Wicks (Michael French).
Cindy’s whole world came crumbling in front of all of her loved-ones as the audio was played out publicly in The Vic.
Fans couldn’t help but compare the similarities and obvious parallels to ‘Sharongate’, back in October 1994.
25.3 million viewers watched as Sharon (Letitia Dean) also confessed on tape that she had an affair in the same way.
The dramatic climax of her secret liaisons with her brother-in-law, Phil, was played out to much shock in the infamous boozer, just like Christmas 2024.
Many fans wondered if the echoed plot could have been another hint at upcoming events.
Many soap enthusiasts thought Grant’s return was all but confirmed back in November.
A long line of characters returned to the soap ahead of the 40th Anniversary celebrations which included Micky Miller (Joe Swash), Jane Beale (Laurie Brett), Chrissy Watts (Tracy-Ann Oberman).
After his cryptic appearance on This Morning, pictures emerged of the actor driving out of Hertfordshire HQ of the soap in a black car.
EastEnders’ executive producer, Chris Clenshaw, also remarked that he would have loved to have brought back Grant in an interview with TV Times.
EastEnders continues on BBC One and is available to watch on iPlayer.
