Ross Kemp to reprise EastEnders hardman Grant as Phil returns to Albert Square

by Staff, Brand Republic 19-Apr-05, 12:00

LONDON – The BBC looks to have succeeded in its efforts to lure back Ross Kemp to 'EastEnders' and reprise his role as hardman Grant Mitchell, who could return to the soap after six years on ITV.

According to a report in the Daily Mirror, the BBC is in the final stages of signing off the deal with the actor.

A BBC spokesman said: "The corporation has been in talks with Kemp but nothing has been confirmed yet."

Kemp joined the cast of 'EastEnders' in 1989, but left 10 years later to pursue other drama roles on ITV including SAS drama 'Ultimate Force' and 'Spartacus', a four-hour TV drama also starring 'ER''s Goran Visnjic.

If he does make a return he could be reunited with his former screen brother Phil Mitchell, played by Steve McFadden.

McFadden made his own dramatic return last night helping to boost 'EastEnders'' rating at 8pm to 11m viewers or a 48% share.

McFadden returned in a dramatic storyline to get revenge on Ian Beale, who has taken over the car lot, and Dirty Den who has, unbeknown to him, already been murdered.

McFadden will be joined by on-screen mum Peggy Mitchell, played by Barbara Windsor, in August.

If Kemp is officially added to the line-up it could revive the soap's ailing fortunes because the Mitchell family have been involved in some of the most gripping storylines in the soap's 20-year history including the "Who shot Phil Mitchell?" saga.

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