Grant Mitchell returns

Look out Walford - not only is Phil Mitchell returning to Albert Square but his brother Grant is on the verge of joining him.

16:35 19 April 2005

Look out Walford - not only is Phil Mitchell returning to Albert Square but his brother Grant is on the verge of joining him.

Actor Ross Kemp has been working for ITV for the six years since he left EastEnders, but is reportedly close to signing a deal to return to the BBC soap.

The Daily Mirror reports that TV bosses are finalising a top dollar deal with the star to bring him back into the show in the autumn.

Which is bad news for many residents of the Square, who thought they had finally got rid of the bullying brothers once and for all.

His return will complete the Mitchell family clan, coming only months after Phil, played by Steve McFadden, and mum Peggy, played by Barbara Windsor, come back home.

"Ross created one of the most powerful television characters ever and viewers have been wanting him back since the day he left," an insider told the newspaper.

"We're delighted and very excited."

The 40-year-old actor starred as tough guy Grant for ten years before making a dramatic exit after a high-speed car crash in 1999.

And if his brother's return is anything to go by, Grant's homecoming will soon cause chaos - Phil has barely arrived before he beats up Ian Beale and kidnaps his daughter.