BBC Share Add as preferred source on Google Add as preferred source on Google By Claire Crick 23 Apr 2026, 20:04 By Claire Crick 23 Apr 2026, 20:04 EastEnders reveals fresh twist for the Mitchells as Grant finally returns to Walford next week Grant returns after Sam's shocking confession... Grant Mitchell Mark Fowler Jr Sam Mitchell Share Add as preferred source on Google Add as preferred source on Google By Claire Crick 23 Apr 2026, 20:04 By Claire Crick 23 Apr 2026, 20:04 EastEnders sees Walford legend Grant Mitchell finally make his long-awaited return to the Square next week. Today’s episode saw Grant’s estranged son, Mark Jr, leaving a voicemail, asking him to come home to support his family. To his great surprise, Grant turns up next week. But there’s drama on the cards as a fresh twist hits the already struggling family. Sam confessed to Mark today (Credit: BBC) Sam had a confession The main focus of today’s episode was the aftermath of Priya and Max’s car crash. But while that was playing out, Mark and Sam had drama of their own. Mark had just got back from collecting a classic car with Lauren when she got a call from Max to say Jimmy had been in a car crash. While she dashed off, Mark found Sam and the pair headed to the pub. Inside, Sam revealed that Julie had called to say that Nigel was going back into hospital. With his dementia worsening, Nigel was struggling to swallow, and so he needed to start having his antibiotics for pneumonia through a drip instead. Article continues below Read all the latest spoilers Mark suggested that Phil needs to go and see Nigel, but Sam explained that she had tried desperately to get her brother to visit his best friend, but he kept shutting her out. Thinking that Grant could be the answer, Mark suggested they try calling him. But Sam pointed out that she had left Grant countless voicemails, and he never called back. Sam confessed that the three Mitchell siblings had drifted apart since Peggy died. But Mark suggested maybe Nigel could be the one to bring them back together again.Don't miss a single story! Add us as a Preferred Source in Google for all your EastEnders newsIt's important to us that you never miss our articles when searching for stories! We have all the latest TV news & schedules to share with our community of loyal readers. Click here and tick TVGuide.co.uk to ensure you see stories from us first in Google Search. Mark was stunned to learn that Grant didn’t even know about Sam’s recent cancer battle. So he decided to take matters into his own hands. When Sam’s back was turned, he called Grant, explaining that he was needed in Walford and suggested he book himself a flight ASAP. Sam and Mark tell Grant what has been going on with Phil (Credit: BBC) The drama continues when Grant arrives in EastEnders next week Next week sees Sam and Mark stunned when Grant speeds into the Square. Mark can’t quite believe that his call has been answered and faces getting to know his estranged father. As they all catch up, Mark explains that Phil is struggling with Nigel’s worsening condition and that he’s refusing to see his friend. Grant goes to see Nigel himself and is horrified at how unwell he is. He is fuming with Phil, annoyed that he hadn’t told him how sick Nigel is before now. Soon, the three Mitchell siblings lay their cards on the table. But the drama leads to Sam and Mark being thrown out of Phil’s house. When doctors later confirm there is no sign of Nigel getting better, Julie decides the time has come to make him as comfortable as possible and stop his treatment. As this fresh heartache hits the Michell family, Grant knows it is only a matter of time before Nigel loses his battle with dementia. It is a race against time for Grant to persuade Phil to visit his friend, and fans are in for an epic week of EastEnders episodes. What else happened in EastEnders tonight? As well as Mark calling Grant and asking him to come back to the Square, we also saw the aftermath of Priya and Max's crash play out. Max saved Cindy's life As Priya got Avani and Nugget out of the car safely, Ravi was in a daze. Meanwhile, Max managed to save baby Jimmy fairly easily, but the same couldn't be said for Cindy. Her legs were trapped in the wreckage, and as he fought to get her free, petrol started to leak from the car. Knowing he was on borrowed time, Max found something to wedge the crushed metal up so Cindy could get her legs free. Just as he pulled her out of the car, the car exploded. Thankfully, everyone was fine, and Cindy kissed Max. Ravi was sectioned Ravi struggled with the enormity of the crash, and after Nugget lashed out at him at the hospital, he vanished. Heading back to Walford, Ravi continued to spiral and ended up on the train bridge. Deciding that his only option was to end his own life, Ravi teetered on the edge of the bridge. Priya desperately tried to talk him down. But in the end, it was Nugget who saved him. The police arrived, and Ravi pleaded as they sectioned him as his family and the rest of Walford watched on. Read more: Who’s leaving, joining and returning to EastEnders? Complete list of cast exits, arrivals and returns Share Add as preferred source on Google Add as preferred source on Google Good to Know Share Add as preferred source on Google Add as preferred source on Google By Claire Crick 23 Apr 2026, 20:04 By Claire Crick 23 Apr 2026, 20:04 Previous Story Next Story
