Mitchell magic

BBC bosses are hoping to persuade Ross Kemp to return to EastEnders.

09:51 31 January 2005

BBC bosses are in talks with Ross Kemp that could see him return to the cast of EastEnders.

Kemp, who played Albert Square hard man Grant Mitchell, is being lined up for an explosive comeback alongside on-screen brother Phil (Steve McFadden) and mum Peggy (Barbara Windsor).

Grant was one of EastEnders' most popular characters and the show's writers are hoping that bringing him back will help revive the show's poor viewing figures.

"It would be TV gold to get Ross back but we are only in talks," an insider told The Sun.

Kemp is currently starring in ITV's flagship SAS drama, Ultimate Force.

He is also due to appear in Ricky Gervais' new sitcom, Extras, alongside the likes of Jude Law, Ben Stiller and Kate Winslet.

The Beeb could offer Kemp a bumper 1 million contract to temp him back.

The show's bosses will be hoping his return proves more successful than back-from-the-dead Dirty Den who resurfaced last year after 17 years.