Actor Ross Kemp is to return to Albert Square as EastEnders prepares to celebrate its 40th anniversary.
His character Grant Mitchell first appeared in the TV soap almost 35 years ago, and was last seen on screen in 2016.
In a statement, Kemp said he was “thrilled to be back” on the BBC programme.
“EastEnders has always meant a lot to me, so it’s an absolute honor to be back when the show is about to celebrate such a special anniversary,” he added.
The TV soap first aired on BBC One on 19 February 1985.
Producers said Kemp will return for a “brief time” in the new year and “play a major role in the show’s 40th anniversary”.
Details of her new storyline and the circumstances of her return have not been revealed, but the BBC said there is “sure to be drama”.
In recent weeks, viewers have seen the struggles of his brother Phil Mitchell (played by Steve McFadden), while Grant’s most estranged best friend Nigel is back on the square. Meanwhile, Grant’s ex-wife Sharon is now dating her long-lost cousin Teddy Mitchell.
Kemp commented: “Grant has never been away from action and let’s just say this time is no different as he will definitely be back with a bang.”
Grant Mitchell first appeared in Walford in 1990, but has been living in Portugal since his last episode almost a decade ago.
EastEnders executive producer Chris Kleinshaw said he was “absolutely thrilled” to welcome Kemp back, describing Grant as a “legendary character”.
“While I’m not currently revealing what brings Grant back to Walford, I can say that his return will play an important role in the show’s 40th anniversary, and make for truly unforgettable TV. will create many moments of
Kemp’s return follows Paul Bradley, who played Nigel Bates, returning to the show just before Christmas, more than 25 years since his last appearance.
Actress Tracy-Ann Oberman also returns to the series in 2024, her character Chrissy Watts reappearing after nearly two decades.
In recent years, the camp has hosted the daytime game show Bridge of Lies. He has also made a career leading documentaries, often about dangerous places and people, most recently Sky History’s Mafia and Britain.