Grant Mitchell is one of the most recognisable figures in British soap history. As a core member of the Mitchell family on EastEnders, his violent temper, complex relationships, and iconic status have kept viewers engaged for decades. In 2026, the character returned to Albert Square, reigniting interest in his backstory, family, and future.
Portrayed by Ross Kemp, Grant first appeared in 1990 and quickly became known as a “hard man.” His storylines have included marriage, betrayal, military service, and long-running feuds. Despite persistent rumours, the character has not died on screen and remains a living part of the EastEnders narrative.
This article covers everything known about Grant Mitchell: his children, wives, army background, age, and the details of his 2026 return. The information is drawn from official BBC sources, Wikipedia, and other established databases.
Does Grant Mitchell Have Children?
Grant Antony Mitchell
Ross Kemp
22 February 1990
Phil Mitchell (brother), Sharon Watts (ex-wife), Mark Fowler (son)
- Grant Mitchell is one of the most iconic EastEnders characters, known for his “hard man” persona.
- His recent return in 2026 has sparked fan interest, particularly regarding his relationship with son Mark Fowler.
- The character’s army background is often referenced but rarely explored in depth.
- Grant’s on-screen death has not been confirmed; the character remains alive in the narrative.
- Grant has two confirmed children: a daughter, Courtney, and a son, Mark.
- His marriage to Sharon Watts produced the infamous “Sharongate” storyline.
- The 2026 return marks Kemp’s first appearance since 2016.
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Grant Antony Mitchell |
| Portrayed by | Ross Kemp |
| First Appearance | 22 February 1990 |
| Last Appearance (as of 2026) | 26 May 2026 |
| Occupation | Former army soldier, car dealer, gangster |
| Spouse(s) | Sharon Watts (ex-wife), Tiffany Raymond (ex-wife), Carla (ex-wife) |
| Children | Mark Fowler (son), Courtney Mitchell (daughter) |
| Age (approx.) | Born 8 July 1962 (age ~63 or 64 in 2026) |
Who Is Grant Mitchell’s Son?
Grant has a son named Mark Fowler, who was introduced as a secret child in later storylines. This character is less established than his daughter Courtney but has been referenced in multiple summaries. The 2026 return storyline focuses partly on Grant reconnecting with Mark.
Who Is Grant Mitchell’s Wife?
Grant has been married three times. His first marriage was to Sharon Watts, a relationship that ended famously after the “Sharongate” affair was exposed. He then married Tiffany Raymond, with whom he had his daughter Courtney. Later, he married a woman named Carla. All three marriages ended in divorce or separation, and Grant has not remarried in the current narrative.
Grant’s daughter Courtney Mitchell (born to Tiffany Raymond) is his most consistently recognised child across official sources. The existence of a son, Mark Fowler, appears in secondary summaries and is a more recent addition to the character’s history.
What Is Grant Mitchell’s Background?
Grant Mitchell is the son of Peggy Mitchell and Eric Mitchell. He has a brother, Phil Mitchell, and a sister, Sam Mitchell. The family is central to EastEnders, and the Mitchell brothers have been a dominant force in Walford for decades.
How Old Is Grant Mitchell?
According to character backstory, Grant Mitchell was born on 8 July 1962. This would make him approximately 63 or 64 years old in 2026, depending on the exact timeline within the show. The actor who portrays him, Ross Kemp, was born on 21 July 1964 and turned 62 in 2026.
Was Grant Mitchell in the Army?
Yes. Grant served as a soldier in the British Army and fought in the Falklands War. This aspect of his backstory is confirmed in multiple character profiles, though it is rarely explored in depth on screen. The military experience has been used to explain some of his violent behaviour and trauma.
Does Grant Mitchell Die?
Grant Mitchell has not died on screen. He remains a living character in the EastEnders narrative, and there are no confirmed reports of his death. Rumours about his death have circulated, but no official BBC source or storyline has confirmed this. Ross Kemp, the actor, is also alive and well.
Despite occasional speculation online, neither the character Grant Mitchell nor the actor Ross Kemp has died. All credible sources confirm Grant is alive in the show, and Kemp remains active in his career.
Is Grant Mitchell Returning to EastEnders in 2026?
Yes. Ross Kemp reprised the role of Grant Mitchell for a short stint in 2026. Scenes aired from 27 April 2026, with his exit occurring on 26 May 2026. The return was confirmed by the BBC and widely reported in entertainment media.
What Is Grant Mitchell’s 2026 Storyline?
The 2026 storyline focused on Grant reconnecting with his brother Phil Mitchell. Digital Spy reported that the reunion was a major emotional beat, with Ross Kemp commenting on the experience of returning to the role. The storyline also touched on Grant’s relationship with his son Mark Fowler, addressing long-standing family tensions.
Grant’s 2026 return addresses fan demand for closure and resolution in the Mitchell family arc. The storyline also hints at potential future developments, including a possible spin-off featuring the Mitchell brothers.
Grant Mitchell Timeline: Key Events
- 1990: Grant Mitchell is introduced as a “hard man” alongside his brother Phil.
- 1991-1995: Marriages, feuds, and business ventures dominate his early years.
- 1999: Leaves Walford after his divorce from Sharon.
- 2005-2006: Returns briefly for family events.
- 2016: Returns for Peggy Mitchell’s funeral.
- 2026: Returns for a short stint, reunites with Phil, and exits on 26 May.
What Is Known and What Remains Unclear
| Established Information | Information That Remains Unclear |
|---|---|
| 2026 return is confirmed (BBC announcement). | Whether Grant will return for a longer stint in the future. |
| Grant’s death is not confirmed; character is alive. | Speculation about a possible off-screen death remains unsubstantiated. |
| Army background is confirmed but details are sparse. | Full military history and its impact on the character are rarely explored. |
| Children: Mark Fowler and Courtney Mitchell are confirmed. | The full extent of Mark’s storyline has not been revealed. |
What Is Grant Mitchell’s Role in EastEnders?
Grant Mitchell represents the archetypal “hard man” of British soap opera. His relationship with brother Phil is central to the Mitchell family dynasty, which has been a cornerstone of EastEnders for over three decades. The character’s army backstory adds depth but remains underutilised in the main narrative.
The 2026 return addresses fan demand for closure and possible spin-off material. Grant’s violent past, complicated marriages, and unresolved family issues make him one of the most layered characters in the show’s history.
What Are the Sources for Grant Mitchell Information?
“Grant Mitchell is a fictional EastEnders character played by Ross Kemp. He first appeared on 22 February 1990.”
“Kemp returned to EastEnders in 2026 for a short stint, with scenes airing from late April to May.”
— Wikipedia (Ross Kemp)
“The BBC profile confirms Grant Mitchell as a character played by Ross Kemp.”
— BBC EastEnders Programme Page
Additional sources include the EastEnders Fandom wiki, Digital Spy, and official BBC social media channels. These sources provide a mix of official confirmation and detailed fan-based documentation.
What’s Next for Grant Mitchell?
Several questions remain unanswered. Will Grant Mitchell return for a longer stint? Is a spin-off with Phil Mitchell being considered? How will his son Mark Fowler’s storyline evolve? Rumours of a potential spin-off have circulated in fan communities, but no official confirmation exists. The next few months will likely clarify whether Grant’s 2026 return was a one-off or the beginning of a larger project. For now, fans can revisit classic episodes and follow the official BBC channels for updates. Learn more about other EastEnders stories, including Maisie Smith – Age, EastEnders, and Strictly Come Dancing and Derek Martin – EastEnders Icon Dies at 92.
Frequently Asked Questions
How old is Grant Mitchell?
Grant Mitchell was born on 8 July 1962, making him approximately 63 or 64 in 2026.
Did Grant Mitchell die in EastEnders?
No, Grant Mitchell has not died on screen. He is still alive in the show’s narrative.
Who played Grant Mitchell?
Grant Mitchell is portrayed by actor Ross Kemp.
Is Grant Mitchell related to Phil Mitchell?
Yes, Phil Mitchell is Grant’s older brother.
Does Grant Mitchell have a son?
Yes, Grant has a son named Mark Fowler, introduced in later storylines.
Who was Grant Mitchell married to?
Grant was married to Sharon Watts, Tiffany Raymond, and Carla.
Was Grant Mitchell in the army?
Yes, he served as a soldier and fought in the Falklands War.
When did Grant Mitchell return to EastEnders in 2026?
He returned on 27 April 2026 and exited on 26 May 2026.
Is Grant Mitchell a hard man?
Yes, he is widely described as a “hard man” and a violent character in the show.
Thomas Whitmore is Politics & Public Affairs Editor at TheUKDaily.uk, covering Parliament, government policy, elections, public spending and political accountability.