Ross Kemp has described his return to EastEnders as Grant Mitchell as both 'intense' and emotional, as the soap airs the conclusion of Nigel Bates' dementia storyline. The actor, who has reprised his iconic role, revealed that the upcoming scenes are some of the most powerful he has filmed.
Grant's Return and Family Tensions
Next week, Mark Fowler informs Grant that his brother Phil Mitchell is struggling and refusing to see their friend Nigel, who now lives in a care home. When Grant visits Nigel, he is shocked by his deterioration and angry at Phil for not keeping him updated. 'Initially, Grant is very angry with Phil because he believes Phil has been selfish and has abandoned Nigel by placing him in a care home,' Ross explains. 'Over time, though, he begins to realise that Phil may be struggling himself.'
The brothers eventually have a heartfelt conversation, which Ross describes as 'long and intense.' He adds, 'It was brilliant to film them with Steve McFadden.' A family showdown involving sister Sam Mitchell leads to Phil throwing out Sam and Mark. Meanwhile, Julie Bates makes the difficult decision to stop Nigel's treatment and keep him comfortable. Grant spends time at Nigel's bedside, and when Nigel unexpectedly wakes up, he asks for something from his past.
A Personal Connection to the Storyline
Ross admits that returning to EastEnders was an easy decision due to the storyline's importance. 'Nigel's dementia storyline was deeply important to me, as my father died with Alzheimer's, as did Dame Barbara Windsor,' he says. 'Returning came with a mixture of excitement and emotional pressure. I was nervous about letting people down, and I thought about Barbara a great deal while being back on set – particularly in The Vic, where we spent so much time together.'
He felt honoured to be part of a story handled so beautifully by the cast and crew, including Steve McFadden, Paul Bradley, and Karen Henthorn. 'It's been incredibly special to have the Mitchells reunited – the first time in ten years that Sam, Phil, and Grant have been on set together,' Ross adds.
Behind the Scenes
Ross also praised the production team and crew, many of whom he has known since his early days on the show. 'It's been great to see so many members of the production team and crew again, some of whom started on the show at the same time I did,' he says. The emotional storyline continues as Grant faces a choice between his brother and his friend in Nigel's final moments.
EastEnders airs these scenes next week on BBC One.
