EastEnders fans convinced Grant Mitchell is returning after explosive Christmas plot revealed
It's set to be a tough Christmas for EastEnders ' Phil Mitchell, who will be the focus of a loneliness storyline over the festive period as he shuts out the outside world. Over the coming weeks, fans will see Phil become increasingly isolated as he watches his ex-wife Sharon Watts move on with his cousin Teddy Mitchell - and some viewers think that Phil's concerned family might call in his brother Phil for help.
On Christmas morning, Sharon drops by Phil's house to give him a present from their son Albie, but notices that Phil isn't being himself. When Phil heads over to No. 1 to spend Christmas with the rest of the Mitchell family, he becomes overwhelmed after spotting a loved-up Sharon and Teddy and quickly leaves.
Phil continues to shut out his family, who are becoming increasingly concerned - while Sharon shares her concerns with an unlikely ally, whose identity the BBC is keeping a secret. Many fans have taken to social media with the theory that Ross Kemp could return as Phil's brother Grant after last appearing on the soap nearly 10 years ago.
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Actor and TV presenter Ross joined the cast as Grant Mitchell in 1990 and during his stint on the show, one of his biggest storylines was Grant marrying Sharon and Sharon cheating on him with brother Phil.
Ross left the BBC soap in 1999 before returning for a year in 2005 and later appearing in a handful of episodes back in 2016 for Barbara Windsor's final appearance as Grant's mother Peggy. Now with EastEnders set to turn 40 next year, fans suspect that Grant could be back in Albert Square to save his brother amid Phil's mental health crisis.
"We'll see Phil Mitchell going down the loneliness and depression storyline. I think at the 40th anniversary of EastEnders we will see Phil have enough of it all and attempt the unthinkable [but] just before he tries or does do it Grant Mitchell will walk in and save him. #Eastenders," one viewer wrote on X. Another said: "I’ve worked out exactly how Phil’s loneliness storyline will lead to Grant coming back for a while and if it doesn’t happen I will be absolutely fuming #Eastenders."
In September, Ross was rumoured to be presenting a one-off BBC One documentary about EastEnders to celebrate its 40th birthday, with a source telling The Sun: "Ross will interview stars past and present about why it is so good and how important it is. EastEnders will always have a special place in his heart and he’s really excited."
If you've been affected by any of the issues in this story you can contact Samaritans in the UK and Ireland on freephone 116 123, or email jo@samaritans.org or jo@samaritans.ie.
