EastEnders legend Grant Mitchell (Ross Kemp) left Walford again on Thursday evening (February 27) as he said emotional goodbyes to his best friend Nigel Bates (Paul Bradley), ex-wife Sharon (Letitia Dean) and his brother Phil (Steve McFadden).
In recent episodes of the BBC soap, Albert Square has struggled to come to terms with the tragic death of Martin Fowler (James Bye). Sharon Watts is devastated by the loss of her long-time pal Martin but found some solace in her ex-husband Grant, who recently returned to Walford after nearly nine years.
Grant made a welcome comeback after his old friend Nigel asked him to help his brother Phil, who had been suffering with his mental health. But on Wednesday (February 26), Grant also found out that Nigel was suffering from dementia, which would “eventually kill him”, leaving him in complete shock.
In a bid to look after Nigel as he reaches the end of his life, Grant asked him to come back to Portugal with him on Thursday. Although Nigel appeared to be ecstatic about the offer, he declined last minute to stay in Walford and be a support to Phil.
While standing outside the tube station, Grant and Nigel said an emotional goodbye. As tears streamed down Grant’s face, he told his mate never to forget him after Nigel emotionally said he really wanted to remember the moment.
EastEnders fans are now predicting Grant will be back to see out Nigel’s tragic final moments, which they think will play out at Christmas.
Taking to X, one person wrote: “That Grant & Nigel scene had me they should bring him back for the end of Nigel’s storyline #EastEnders.”
A second added: “It’s going to be all the more heart-breaking when Grant does return and Nigel doesn’t recognise or remember him. #EastEnders @bbceastenders.”
A third urged: “I really hope they bring Grant back for the end of Nigel’s storyline #EastEnders.”
“Surely they wouldn’t have mentioned Mark Jr for no reason if nothing was planned for the future? I also wouldn’t be surprised if we get another Grant stint at some point soon, probably towards the end of Nigel’s story #EastEnders”, added another.
