Grant will not be back

Ross Kemp, who ran Albert Square as Grant Mitchell, has ruled out a return to the square.

15:45 30 April 2004

Ross Kemp, who ran Albert Square as Grant Mitchell, has ruled out a return to the square.

The Mitchell clan - Peggy, Grant and Phil - have all been linked with a return to the BBC soap.

But Kemp has rejected the rumours.

"I haven't been asked and I don't particularly want to at the moment. I'm doing other things. And I don't think the series needs any help. I think it just goes through ups and downs occasionally," he told BBC radio.

The rumours are fuelled by EastEnders perceived need for a 'big' story to compete with Corrie.

This year, not only did the Walford soap see its Weatherfield rival win the TV BAFTA, but EastEnders failed to even make the "Best Continuing Drama" shortlist.

"Everyone says in the media at the moment [EastEnders is] going through a down - I'm sure it'll be up there winning BAFTAs next year," said Kemp.