EastEnders is set to mark its 40th anniversary in grand style as legendary actor Ross Kemp returns to Albert Square, igniting a wave of nostalgia and excitement among fans. The iconic actor, famed for his portrayal of Grant Mitchell, is ready to slip back into his signature black leather jacket—a look that comes with tight trousers, brawling bravado, and complicated romances, not to mention a touch of arson on the side.
The celebration will kick off with an hour-long special episode airing on February 19, followed by an interactive live show where viewers get to decide whether Denise Fox ends up with Ravi Gulati or Jack Branning. Ross’s comeback is eagerly anticipated as he reunites with old friend Nigel Bates (Paul Bradley) and joins efforts to support his suicidal brother Phil (Steve McFadden), who is currently battling a severe mental health crisis, reported the Mirror.
Before stepping back into the world of EastEnders, Ross, 60, has embraced his role behind the camera by catching up with fellow veterans Gillian Taylforth, Letitia Dean, Adam Woodyatt, and Pam St Clement for the documentary EastEnders: 40 Years On The Square. Reflecting on his journey, Ross says, “Over the last few months I’ve realized what an impact EastEnders had had on my life, on the other people who work here, and on its viewers. EastEnders has tackled some difficult subjects, it’s changed hearts and minds and reflected an ever-changing society all the while entertaining millions of people and that’s why I’m very proud to be part of the 40th anniversary.”
Long-serving cast members reminisced about their early days. Letitia Dean, who famously won the role of ‘princess’ Sharon Watts at just 16 or 17 by faking a Cockney accent, recalled, “I was 16 or 17. You had to be born within the sound of Bow Bells and of course, I wasn’t. I was from Hertfordshire but I lied. They were very, very authentic. Apparently, I got cast for my dirty laugh.” She fondly highlighted her involvement in the legendary ‘Sharongate’ storyline, saying, “I was trusted with a huge storyline in front of 25 million viewers. It’s still talked about to this day. The best stories are slow burners.”
Gillian Taylforth, who started as market stall worker Kathy Beale, added, “I was born in Islington and I used to work on Chapel Street Market. My boyfriend at the time had a stall there so Saturday and Sunday I used to help him out.” With a touch of humor, she noted, “My granddad said ‘Don’t watch it, watch Emmerdale’ and I thought, ‘So I’ve lost to a load of sheep, lovely!’”
Veteran actor Adam Woodyatt, known for his role as Ian Beale, remarked, “There was Coronation Street, Emmerdale and Crossroads, but we were the slightly rougher one and I think a lot more people managed to identify with that.”
Pam St Clement, who transformed into the beloved Pat Butcher, recalled her unique inspiration: “When I got the part of Pat, like any actor I decided to do a bit of homework, and I saw this bus conductress on a number 38 bus and she was wearing the most dangly earrings and she had spiky hair.” She also expressed heartfelt emotion about her close friendship with the late Dame Barbara Windsor, saying, “I miss her. I miss her tremendously.”
Joining the celebration of EastEnders’ rich legacy, former Bond star Colin, now a landlord at The Queen Vic, summed up the importance of representation: “It’s really important. I think he’s a very symbolic figure within British culture. We have people watching, looking at life thinking, ‘This is something I could be.’ If you can see it, you can be it.”
As the soap celebrates four decades of dramatic storytelling, fans old and new eagerly await the return of their beloved characters and the memories they continue to create on screen.
