EastEnders star Ross Kemp issues terse response after grilling about BBC soap return

EastEnders legend Ross Kemp has kept mum on the buzz about his potential comeback to the iconic soap, simply stating: "I can tell you nothing."

The 57-year-old actor, famed for his role as the formidable Grant Mitchell, first graced Albert Square from 1990 until 1999. He made a return in 2005 and exited once more in 2006, with a brief reappearance in 2016.

Despite fan speculation about another return for the soap's 40th anniversary, Kemp remained elusive during an interview on ITV's This Morning with hosts Alison Hammond and Dermot O'Leary.

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When probed by Alison about the swirling EastEnders rumours and whether he'd be back for the 40th anniversary celebrations, Kemp gave nothing away, responding: "I can tell you nothing." Not deterred, Alison retorted: "But never say never," reports the Mirror.

Dermot chimed in with a quip, saying: "She is wearing a wire too," which prompted laughter from Kemp as he acknowledged: "Exactly I know."

Reflecting on the show, he added: "I am very proud of the show celebrating 40 years and I wouldn't have had a career, good or bad without it."

Ross expressed his enduring affection for the show, saying: "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." He added a mysterious note with: "I can say no more than that."

Meanwhile, Alison chimed in with her thoughts on what she'd do if she were calling the shots: "If I was a producer though," but was interrupted as the iconic EastEnders theme tune began to play, prompting Dermot to exclaim excitedly: "Oh they've just smashed it out the park."

Alison finished her point by saying: "If I was a producer I would bring you back."

With the 40th anniversary of EastEnders on the horizon, anticipation bubbles over potential comebacks. Chris Clenshaw didn't rule out stirring returns when quizzed by The Sun, teasing: "Maybe. It all depends on the story and where the characters are. But it has to come from character, it has to come from story."

This Morning is on ITV weekdays at 10am and on ITVX