EastEnders fans are predicting the impending return of a character following a cryptic Grant Mitchell scene in tonight's episode. The nostalgia ran high in Albert Square as Sharon and Grant rekindled their romance. Prior to this, Sharon shared the news with Grant that Mark Fowler Jr was aware of he was his father. As the phone rang, Sharon left the room with the hope that it was Martin's sister Michelle. Grant seized the moment to take a glance at Mark Jr's phone number on Sharon's phonebook, and now, fans are convinced a comeback is imminent for the character. Taking to X, a fan posted a picture of actor Ned Porteous, who now portrays Joe Tate in Emmerdale accompanied by the message: "He looooms (but probably recast lmao). #EastEnders." Another devotee suggested: "They should recast him with the guy that played Grant on the flashback ep," reports the Mirror. "Hopefully he'd come whilst Grant is still there," commented another fan. Ned landed the role of Michelle Fowler and Grant Mitchell's son in 2016. He's also the nephew of Martin Fowler, and with his daughter Bex making her way back to the soap, the question on everyone's minds is whether Mark will make an appearance at the funeral. Fans are certainly keeping their fingers crossed. It's also been confirmed that Mark's half-sister Vicki Fowler will be making a return to the Square later this year. Mark Jr's journey from Florida to London to meet his biological father was a fleeting moment on the show in 2016, as he soon jetted back across the pond. At that time, Grant kept the truth under wraps, choosing not to reveal his paternity. But just as Mark was about to depart, he confided in Sharon that he'd pieced together the fact that Grant was indeed his dad, despite Sharon's advice to steer clear of the drama. In tonight's episode, Sharon reflects on Mark's decision to stay out of touch with Grant, expressing her sympathy: "I'm sorry Grant. He lives in Florida. And you've made a life in Portugal with Courtney. Haven't you?" This leads to a heartfelt exchange between them about their shared history, and before we know it, sparks are flying.... With Grant having turned on the charm with Sharon's best mate Linda Carter just last night, fans on X – the platform formerly known as Twitter – are buzzing with speculation over a potential 'second Sharongate. ' One fan speculated: "Grant flirting with our Linda and now today with Sharon? ? Are we gonna have a Sharon gate but with grant? ? #Eastenders," while another couldn't contain their surprise: "#EastEnders Not Sharon and Grant AGAIN! ! ! !".