Actor Ross Kemp to return to EastEnders for short stint

Actor Ross Kemp is set to return to BBC soap EastEnders, the broadcaster has announced.

The 61-year-old will reprise his iconic role playing Grant Mitchell for a short stint, having briefly returned to Walford a year ago for the show's 40th anniversary.

"I'm truly delighted to be stepping back into Grant Mitchell's shoes and returning to EastEnders later this year," said Kemp in a statement, adding it was an "honour" to be part of two significant storylines.

Executive producer Ben Wadey said the soap was "absolutely thrilled" to welcome Kemp back in "the legendary role of Grant".

He added: "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…".

Kemp confirmed he would feature in a storyline about dementia, which he said holds "deep personal meaning" to him due to family connections.

Kemp rose to prominence playing Grant throughout the 1990s, before pursuing other acting roles and fronting a series of documentaries on gangs. He returned to the soap for several episodes between 2005-2006, before again making a comeback in 2016 for a number of guest appearances.

In a statement, a spokesperson from the show said: "This year, Grant is called upon by his estranged son Mark to return to Walford, marking the first time the pair will be reunited since Mark learned the truth about his true parentage."

They promised "viewers can expect explosive drama" but that "full details of Grant's comeback remain under wraps".