Grant stages EastEnders return just in time following heartbreaking gun tragedy

Grant Mitchell (Ross Kemp) finally made his highly anticipated return to EastEnders in tonight’s episode, and he arrived just in the nick of time.

Phil Mitchell (Steve McFadden) has been having a tough time over the past few months, as he’s battled depression and psychosis.

In tonight’s episode, viewers got a glimpse into his hallucinations, as he came face to face with prominent figures and memories from his past.

Throughout the episode, his younger self and family members turned on him, leaving him increasingly more vulnerable.

In an emotional chat with the younger version of his mum, Peggy Mitchell, Phil was devastated when she compared him to his father, and revealed how disappointed she was in him.

When he asked if she really meant that, she pointed out that that was how he thought she felt, and she wasn’t around to correct him.

She then told him that there was still a way for him to make the world a better place, before looking pointedly at the gun on the table.

Earlier in the episode, Phil’s dad Eric had almost used the gun on himself, but didn’t go through with his plan.

Instead, he wrote Phil’s name on a bullet, so that he had ‘something to remember him by’.

Phil loaded the bullet into the gun, planning to use it on himself, only to be interrupted by the arrival of a young Grant and Nigel Bates.

Phil was then snapped back to the present, still holding the gun, and faced with present-day Nigel (Paul Bradley).

However, he wasn’t alone, as he revealed that he thought Phil might want to see a friendly face.

It was then that Phil spotted Grant standing in the doorway, and he was clearly relieved to see him.

Will Grant and Nigel be able to help Phil get back in control of his mental health?