Ross Kemp was seen leaving the set of EastEnders on Friday after it was reported he was returning to the show for its 40th anniversary.

The actor, 60, played hard man Grant Mitchell in the soap from 1990 until quitting in 1999 – but he has made several returns over the years, most recently in 2016. 

It was reported back in September that Ross is set to make his return to Albert Square to present a one-off documentary about the soap to mark the occasion.

Ross cut a casual figure as he left the studios where he was taken home by a waiting car.

The actor was dressed casually for the day in a black jacket and matching trousers along with a white T-shirt.   

Ross’s character Grant was last seen on the soap eight years ago in 2016, when he returned for the funeral of his and brother Phil’s (Steve McFadden) mum Peggy (Barbara Windsor). 

Ross Kemp was seen leaving the set of EastEnders on Friday after it was reported he was returning to the show for its 40th anniversary

The actor, 60, played hard man Grant Mitchell in the soap from 1990 until quitting in 1999 – but he has made several returns over the years, most recently in 2016

Two months ago, a source told The Sun of his return: ‘Ross is joining in celebrations by hosting his own EastEnders documentary.

‘He 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.’

In a recent interview on This Morning, Alison Hammond probed the star about a possible return as she asked: ‘Now I can’t let you go until we ask you about the EastEnders rumours. 

‘What is going on, are you going back for the 40th anniversary? Tell us what’s going on.’

‘I can tell you nothing,’ Ross quipped back, before adding: ‘I am very proud of the show celebrating 40 years and I wouldn’t have had a career, good or bad without it.

‘I absolutely love it and I still support it and I would if I had come from Coronation Street or Emmerdale, well I was in Emmerdale Farm briefly before but yeah, I am proud the show is celebrating the 40 years and I will continue to support it as long as I can.’

Ross joined EastEnders again for a brief return in 2005 and another one in 2016, but since then he continued to appear and host a slew of gutsy shows – including his famous documentary Ross Kemp: Extreme World. 

It was reported back in September that Ross is set to make his return to Albert Square to present a one-off documentary about the soap to mark the occasion

Ross cut a casual figure as he left the studios where he was taken home by a waiting car

The actor was dressed casually for the day in a black jacket and matching trousers

Ross seemingly ‘confirmed’ his EastEnders return after he was seen leaving filming for its 40th anniversary special on Thursday

Ross’s character Grant was last seen on the soap eight years ago in 2016, when he returned for the funeral of his and brother Phil’s (Steve McFadden) mum Peggy (Barbara Windsor). All pictured together 

EastEnders is going live for one episode only as will let the public decide the fate of the storyline for the first time in honour of its 40th anniversary.

For the show’s anniversary, the week will feature an exciting twist and include an interactive element to show and potentially break the fourth wall.

Fans will have the power to choose the outcome they desire for a love story.

The BBC is keeping a тιԍнт lid on the love story, adding an extra layer of mystery and excitement for the viewers who will ultimately decide its fate.

The outcome of the public’s choice will played out live during a live episode as the cast and crew will be prepared to adapt to the scene picked out by the public.

The episode will broadcast live from BBC Elstree Centre in February, 2025. 

Executive Producer said of the live episode, Chris Clenshaw said: ‘The 40th anniversary is a milestone event for EastEnders, and we have been planning this week for a long time to ensure that it’s a week full of drama and surprises.

In a recent interview on This Morning, Alison Hammond probed the star about a possible return as she asked: ‘Now I can’t let you go until we ask you about the EastEnders rumours’ 

‘In fact, as our regular audience will know, we have already seen the return of familiar faces and have many more nods to our history to come which will all build up to our momentous anniversary week. 

‘This time, as well as going live, we are adding an extra twist and for the very first time in the history of the show and as a gift to the viewers, we are giving the audience the power to have their say in choosing the outcome of one of our storylines. 

‘Whilst we’re still keeping the finite details of the 40th close to our chest, I can promise that it will be an unmissable week full of shocking twists that will change Albert Square, and the lives of those who live in it, forever.’