EastEnders fans have been dreading this moment, and it has finally arrived. Sam Mitchell (Kim Medcalf) and Grant Mitchell (Ross Kemp) have departed Walford once again, leaving viewers in tears. The legendary Mitchell siblings, including Phil (Steve McFadden), reunited for the first time in a decade this year as part of the powerful Nigel Bates (Paul Bradley) storyline, delivering some of the best EastEnders moments in recent memory.
Having the iconic trio back on screen was a joyous occasion that lived up to the hype. However, all good things must come to an end. Sam and Grant sneaked out of Walford with help from Phil and Lauren Branning (Jacqueline Jossa) after Max (Jake Wood) reported Grant to the police for arson. Grant, who was determined to build a relationship with his son Mark Fowler Jr (Stephen Aaron-Sipple), took the blame for the cars torched by his estranged son. Mark was taken aback and realized the error of his ways, expressing gratitude toward his father. Meanwhile, Sam decided to accompany Grant to Portugal, feeling that her time in Walford was over. The trio evaded the authorities together, just like old times.
A Stronger Mitchell Bond
The relationship between Sam, Phil, and Grant has never been stronger. The siblings are in the best place they have been in decades, and their scenes together, particularly during Nigel's funeral, were electric. Sam, in particular, has enjoyed one of her best stints on the show. Kim Medcalf, who originally played Sam between 2002 and 2005 before returning in 2022 and again in 2025, has a knack for elevating every scene she is in. Since her return last year, Sam's character development has been nearly perfect. She not only proved a confidante for her often-warring siblings but also a shoulder for other show icons, including Denise Fox (Diane Parish), Julie Bates (Karen Henthorn), and Zack Hudson (James Farrar). This was a role the character had never been utilized for previously, showing how far she has come. These dynamics often made the scenes among the best the episodes had to offer.
Grant's Impact
The same can be said for Grant. Having star Ross Kemp back as the legendary hard-man not only elevated the Nigel storyline to another level but also allowed the show to finally explore Grant's difficult relationship with Mark. His short-lived romance with Linda Carter (Kellie Bright) was also a welcomed story move. The Mitchells were back together again in 2026, proving that dreams really do come true. Fans are already hoping for another reunion soon.
EastEnders airs Mondays to Thursdays at 7:30 pm on BBC One or streams from 6 am on BBC iPlayer.
