Ash Percival
Published April 20, 2026 11:59pm
Share this article via whatsappShare this article via xCopy the link to this article.Link is copiedShare this article via facebook
Comment now
Comments
Grant Mitchell stages a return to EastEnders for a very emotional reason (Picture: BBC / Jack Barnes / Kieron McCarron)
A legend is set to return to EastEnders next week, as Grant Mitchell (Ross Kemp) makes an almighty comeback to the Square after a year away.
The iconic character is set to make a return to the BBC soap as he rejoins for the culmination of Nigel Bates (Paul Bradley) final storyline.
This week has seen Grant’s long lost son Mark Fowler Jr (Stephen Aaron-Sipple) call his father to come home amid Nigel’s worsening health.
Nigel has been living with dementia for the last year but recently contracted pneumonia, which has worsened.
Amid fears for his future, Mark has sought to bring his dad home to the Square to bid one of his best friends a fond farewell.
Next week begins with Grant making a spectacular re-entrance to Walford as his speeding car catches the attention of both Sam Mitchell (Kim Medcalf) and Mark, who instantly recognise Grant as the driver.
Grant makes a return – much to Mark’s shock (Picture: BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron)
Grant reunites with Sam (Picture: BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron)
Mark tells Grant that he believes his struggling uncle Phil Mitchell (Steve McFadden) needs help with his mental health, as he is still refusing to see Nigel.
Grant is left stunned when he visits Nigel as he was unaware how unwell he was and he’s enraged that Phil didn’t tell him sooner.
Back in Walford, the reunited Mitchell siblings finally lay their cards on the table, prompting Phil to kick Sam and Mark out of No.55, causing Sam to worry that Phil is on the edge.
Grant tries to talk to Phil (Picture: BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron)
As Nigel’s health continues to worsen, Phil becomes convinced that he rest of the family don’t need him
Later, Julie Bates (Karen Henthorn) decides to stop Nigel’s treatment, before informing Grant of her decision, prompting an outpouring of grief from Phil.
Don't miss a Soaps scoop! Add us as a Preferred Source
As a loyal Metro Soaps reader, we want to make sure you never miss our articles when searching for stories. We have all the latest soaps news, spoilers, videos, and interviews, with a vibrant community of highly engaged readers.
Click the button below and tick Metro.co.uk to ensure you see stories from us first in Google Search.
Add us as a Preferred Source
Now you can ensure you never miss a story from the Soaps team
As Grant returns to No.55, he gives Phil a piece of his mind and later tries to track him down at a beach.
Grant is back to say goodbye to Nigel (Picture: BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron)
It is then revealed that Nigel hasn’t got long left, leaving Grant try and get Phil to reunite with Nigel before it’s too late.
Trending Now
-
The scales fall from Dr Todd’s eyes in Emmerdale as Jacob seals her comeuppance
Channel: Emmerdale Emmerdale 17 hours ago By Stephen Patterson - Jodie's shocking secret explodes on Coronation Street
- EastEnders confirms comeback as character from murder story returns after 4 years
- The smoking gun to destroy Dr Todd as Emmerdale's Jacob makes game-changing discovery
Ultimately, the brothers share a heated but emotional exchange, before having to rush back to shore for some extremely emotional scenes.
Back on the Square, Julie and various Walford residents gather to say their goodbyes to Nigel, as he continues to hold on.
Deals of the Day
From Superdry to Primark – here's 22 items a shopping expert is buying
Struggling with skincare? This AI tool analyses your skin and tells you what to use
The best Easter gift ideas that go beyond chocolate for every budget
The k‑beauty product from haruharu Wonder that’s going viral for glowing skin
Kate Middleton just backed this Spring shoe trend with her £119 Boden loafers
EastEnders airs these scenes from Monday 27th April at 7.30pm on BBC One or stream first from 6am on iPlayer.
If you’ve got a soap or TV story, video or pictures get in touch by emailing us [email protected] – we’d love to hear from you.
Join the community by leaving a comment below and stay updated on all things soaps on our homepage.
Arrow MORE: EastEnders spoilers: Walford rocked as legend dies with heartbreaking consequences
Arrow MORE: Phil’s the only one who can help Lexi as her secret emerges in EastEnders
Arrow MORE: The Mitchells are back! First look at Grant’s explosive EastEnders return
Comment now Comments Add Metro as a Preferred Source on Google Add as preferred source The Soaps Newsletter – DailyAll the latest soaps spoilers and gossip, in your inbox every morning.
Email I agree to receive newsletters from Metro I agree to receive newsletters from Metro Sign UpSign UpThis site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. Your information will be used in line with our Privacy Policy