Ferguson wanted to introduce a couple of young men who would bring an air of danger, characters who would be "unpredictable" and "bursting with energy". Despite the fact that Sharon married Grant initially, EastEnders writer Tony Jordan has revealed in The Mitchells – The Full Story that the love-triangle storyline had been planned since Phil and Grant's introduction, after the writers came to the realisation that Sharon was perfect for them both. Known as the "Mitchell brothers", Grant and Phil have become household names in the United Kingdom – due to their association with the stereotypical black leather jacket wearing bald and brutal thug. Sharon Watts, now Sharon Rickman, returned in 2012, and began a relationship with Phil after a failed engagement to Jack Branning. [2] While Grant liked to think of himself as indestructible, he at many times showed emotional vulnerability and a need to be mothered. In 1994, one of EastEnders' most iconic storylines came to an explosive conclusion. 4:13. Grant tries to persuade Sharon to go to Portugal with him but she declares her love for Phil. Phil's descent in alcoholism also helped bring about the collapse of his marriage to Kathy. Grant took great pride in being a Mitchell, his late father had a local reputation as a boxer. Danielle kept her identity a secret ('The Secret Mitchell' storyline), until it is discovered by Archie. Grant learns of Carla's scam; unbeknownst to Carla he chases Ray away and leads Carla to believe he has fallen for her lies. Grant had returned from being a paratrooper in the Army who got involved in the Falklands War. The Panesars are brothers Kheerat, Jags and Vinny – described by show bosses as ‘charming by nature – but a force to be reckoned with.’ Grant would not find out that the baby is his until years later. While the character mellowed in his later years, such behaviour was still apparent. Phil found Louise, but had to be rushed to hospital shortly after. One of EastEnders' most popular and highly rated storylines was "Sharongate", where Grant discovers that his wife Sharon Watts (Letitia Dean) has been having an affair with his brother. "[18], After nearly six years away, Kemp was lured back to EastEnders for a fixed period in order to reunite the Mitchell family on-screen. When Kathy faked her death in early 2006 unknown to anyone at the time, a 10-year-old Ben (now Charlie Jones) came to England to live with Phil. "[22] Kemp returned to filming on 6 April 2016. "[40], Grant and Phil's brotherly confrontation — marking Grant's initial exit in 1999 — was panned by critics. Ross Kemp was chosen to play Grant. After discovering that Grant vengefully had sex with his wife Kathy Mitchell, Phil went ballistic with a handgun causing the car Grant was driving to career at high speed into the River Thames. Phil followed her, and returned with Louise in October 2002; Lisa was then reported missing, leading the police to suspect Phil of murdering her. Despite his hot-headed tendencies, Sharon sees a different side to Grant, and when he proposes marriage to her, she accepts on the condition that he buys her childhood home, The Queen Vic, which he does. 11:16. He comments "Three of the strongest characters that have ever been in EastEnders are the Mitchell brothers and Sharon... when we actually blew that story it was incredible... being able to reach that many people with your work is what makes EastEnders exciting. I didn't even watch the soaps when I was in them because it's like a coal miner coming home and staring at the coal scuttle—I was never a great lover of watching myself act. However he is not completely without showing rare signs of compassion. "[34] Kemp also received 'Most Popular Actor' nominations at the 1996, 1997, 1998 and 2006 National Television Awards,[32][35] and British Soap Award nominations for 'Villain of the Year' in 1999,[32] and 'Spectacular Scene of the Year' in 2006, for Grant's brush with death in 'Get Johnny Week'. She did not reveal her actions until April 2011; the storyline was initially intended to continue for much longer, but due to a public outcry the baby-swap storyline was brought to an early end. Eastenders April … 29:45. The Mitchell family is a fictional family in the BBC soap opera EastEnders. Grant returns to the square soon after and walks in on Phil and Peggy. Another was that he went to console Nigel Bates after his wife, Debbie, was killed by in a road accident. Archie and Peggy became engaged, and at the wedding reception Danielle revealed her true identity to a stunned Ronnie; she refused to believe her, as Archie had stole the locket that would have acted as proof to what Danielle was saying. The story of The Vic and the famous faces who've propped up the bar. Playing next. Grant showed impulsive behaviour, a disregard for social rules and an indifference to the feelings of others, particularly the women in his life. After quitting his job at the newly reopened Scarlet nightclub, currently owed by Jake following Johnny's imprisonment, Grant leaves the country again with Courtney for a new life in Portugal. [1], Following a relatively unsuccessful inclination towards comedic storylines throughout 1989, Ferguson decided to take the soap in a new direction in 1990. Phil, Peggy, Sam, Ronnie and Billy were all suspects in the murder, but in the following February Stacey Branning (Lacey Turner) was exposed as the murderer. 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