IT has been 36 years since Ross Kemp made his debut as EastEnders’ bad boy Grant Mitchell – and now he’s back for more.

For decades he’s fearlessly faced violent gangsters and explored dangerous territories across the world to host hard-hitting documentaries, but we can reveal the actor’s comeback is part of a bigger plan to relaunch his acting career.

The 61-year-old impressed fans during his brief stint for the show’s 40th anniversary last year, but will soon rejoin for several months for the first time since 1999.

A source told The Sun: “Ross is proving that he deserves another shot at a big drama.

“He’s one of soap’s best breakout stars who has shown he has a breadth of talent.

“While he’s been hugely successful presenting documentaries, acting has always held a special place in his heart.

“Going back to EastEnders this year shows he’s more than capable to reignite his acting career and branch out into other roles in future.

“EastEnders put him on the map and he’ll always be grateful for the opportunities it’s brought him – but watch this space.

“Grant Mitchell definitely won’t be the last character you’ll be seeing him play.”

After leaving the BBC One soap in the 90s, Ross played Staff Sergeant Henry “Henno” Garvie in ITV’s Ultimate Force in 2002.

Most recently he starred as Detective Tony Warden in Channel 5 crime drama Blindspot in 2023, before going back to present the documentary EastEnders: 40 Years on the Square last year.

He even tried his hand at hosting his very own quiz show, Bridge of Lies, in a surprise career twist.

Ross’s decision to dip his toe back in the acting world came about after turning 50.

He previously told The Sun: “When you get post-50 you should do the things you really enjoy in life.

“Sometimes I’ve done stuff that I didn’t really want to do at points in my life, but now I’m diving around the world, doing a gameshow and making documentaries. Variety is the spice of life.”

The Sun on Sunday revealed Grant is returning to Albert Square once again to meet his estranged son Mark, played by Stephen Aaron-Sipple.

His arrival in Walford, which will air in spring, also coincides with pal Nigel Bates’ deteriorating health from dementia.

Ross, who has already started filming, told this newspaper: “I’m truly delighted to be stepping back into Grant Mitchell’s shoes and returning to EastEnders.

“As well as exploring Grant’s attempts to reconnect with his son Mark, it’s especially an honour to be part of Nigel’s powerful ongoing dementia storyline, which holds deep personal meaning for me due to a close family connection in real life.”

In 2020, he made a two-part show for ITV called Ross Kemp: Living with Dementia.

In it, he spoke about the impact of the disease on Barbara Windsor, who died the same year.

She played his mum Peggy in the soap.