Ross Kemp Praises Co-star Steve Mcfadden Ahead Of Character's Return

Picture this: a damp, grey day on the set of EastEnders. The kind of day that makes you question your life choices if you’re an actor in a heavy, wool coat. Ross Kemp, our beloved Grant Mitchell, is waiting for his cue. And then, from across the Square, he sees it. That familiar, lumbering gait. The flat cap. The stare that could curdle milk from twenty paces. It’s Steve McFadden, back as Phil Mitchell.

Ross didn’t just say “oh, hi Phil.” He actually stopped to gush. In a recent chat, he admitted he was genuinely excited to see his on-screen brother back in Walford. And honestly? That warms my cynical, soap-loving heart.

We all know the Mitchell brothers have a history. A history of brawls, betrayal, and barrels of dodgy booze. But off-screen, it’s a different story. Ross Kemp recently went out of his way to praise Steve McFadden, calling him a “terrific bloke” and a “consummate professional.” No drama. No jealousy. Just pure, unadulterated respect.

You see, when you’ve spent years pretending to threaten someone with a tire iron, you really have to trust them. And Ross made it clear that trust is rock solid. He talked about how Steve is the kind of actor who makes you up your game. “You can’t slack off with Steve,” he said, practically. Which is code for: “He’s so good, he’ll eat you alive on screen if you don’t bring your A-game.” (Side note: I’d pay good money to see a real acting showdown between these two.)

Now, why is this little love-fest relevant? Because Phil Mitchell is back. And not just a cameo for a cup of tea. This is a proper, headline-grabbing return to Albert Square. McFadden is stepping back into the shoes of the most iconic hardman in British soap history.

The Chemistry That Built a Dynasty

Let’s be real for a second. The Mitchell brothers are EastEnders for a whole generation. Without their particular brand of toxic machismo and weirdly touching family loyalty, the show would have collapsed ages ago. Kemp knows this. He knows that the secret sauce isn’t just the scripts—it’s the chemistry between him and McFadden.

He essentially said that when they’re in a scene together, there’s a shorthand. A look. A nod. They don’t need to talk about “motivation.” They just are Grant and Phil. That’s a rare magic, folks. You can’t fake it with expensive lighting or a dramatic soundtrack.

And Ross being Ross, he couldn’t help but add a little cheeky jab. He joked that Steve is the only person who can make him feel small. “He’s had to, of course, because I’m not a small man,” Kemp laughed. (I can just picture them squaring up at the Vic for a laugh between takes.)

Why This Matters Beyond the Square

This praise isn’t just a nice bit of PR. It’s a masterclass in how to behave when you’re a legacy actor. Kemp doesn’t need EastEnders anymore. He’s done war zones and documentaries. He’s earned his stripes. But he still talks about Steve McFadden like he’s the star of the show. That’s class.

It also tells us that McFadden is returning to a supportive environment. Imagine the pressure of coming back after years away—will the audience still adore you? Will the crew think you’ve gone soft? Ross’s public endorsement is basically a giant, neon sign saying, “Give him a chance, he’s the real deal.”

Kemp even hinted that watching McFadden act is like watching a master painter work. He doesn’t do flashy. He does the quiet, terrifying moments. The silence before a storm. The way he can make “Alright, Grant” sound like a prison sentence. That’s talent.

The Return We All Need Right Now

Look, we’re all in a weird place. The world is loud, expensive, and confusing. The return of Phil Mitchell—and the respectful nod from his TV brother—feels like a warm, slightly dangerous blanket. It’s familiar. It’s messy. And it’s exactly what a tired nation needs.

Ross Kemp’s little story is a reminder that soap operas are built on relationships. Not just the fake ones on screen, but the real ones in the green room. When a man who has punched his way through war zones can stop and say, “That Steve, he’s a genius,” you listen. And you believe him.

So, as Phil Mitchell parks his car (probably on a double yellow line, because he can) and steps back into our living rooms, remember the friendship that makes it possible. It’s not just a character coming back. It’s a partnership being re-lit. And I, for one, cannot wait to see them squabble over a pint once more.

Cheers, Ross. And welcome back, Steve. You’ve been missed.