Suffice it to say that 2024 has been a banner year for animation, with next year looking to do the impossible by raising the bar to blisteringly new heights. As with any year, there are peaks, valleys, and a healthy supply of scenic views to be had in between. With that frame of mind, here’s a progress report on the highlights, lowlights, and trends from animated shows and movies in 2024. Highlights Inarguably, animated projects that seemingly set the year ablaze (affectionate) were the herculean efforts of Arcane , Dan Da Dan , and Look Back . The final season of Arcane , Riot Games and Fortiche’s Emmy-winning League of Legends series, underscored Netflix’s exclusive animated output and proved once again that video game adaptations are far from a dead-on-arrival creative venture. Despite the frenzy around Arcane ‘s budget being vastly overstated , the fruits of its animators’ labor spit in the face of any bigwig executive touting AI as the future of animation. Likewise, the meteoric rise of Science Saru’s Dan Da Dan was so hard to deny that Netflix, Crunchyroll, and Hulu jointly simulcast the anime throughout the fall season—a rare phenomenon that’s only happened a handful of times before with anime like Chainsaw Man and Zom 100: Bucketlist of the Dead . Despite the orange streamer’s reservations about promoting the show , the shared broadcast of the anime proved to be a big-brained move, considering Dan Da Dan was consistently the de facto anime to watch this fall, adapting creator Yukinobu Tatsu’s ongoing manga with unprecedented levels of artistry. Whether you’re creative or not, Studio Durian’s feature anime film of Chainsaw Man creator Tatsuki Fujimoto’s one-shot, Look Back , was a much-needed reminder of why art and the pursuit of it are as painful as they are inspiring. Moreover, the film was so highly sought after, given fears it would never come to North American cinema, that it went on to overperform , get an extended release , and stream on Prime Video in quick succession . If that’s not a testament to the power of animation in 2024, we don’t know what is. Consistent bangers Like the final leg in a relay race, ongoing anime has been holding down the fort for anime fans worldwide. Key among them are series like One Piece , Bleach: Thousand-Year War , and the newest series in the late Akira Toriyama ‘s long-running shonen anime series, Dragon Ball Daima . While the aforementioned shonen shows have tenure in the anime community, new-age anime like Oshi no Ko and Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End have become a staple in the zeitgeist as an exciting new direction for the genre. Their explorations of the entertainment industry’s dark side and how life presses on after a sprawling adventure have been remarkable to see continue into 2024; we’ll be looking for them to keep raising the bar in the coming years. Likewise, the output in the West with Disney and Pixar films like Moana 2 and Inside Out 2 has proven that even sequels that might seem rote upon first blush can still astound audiences. DreamWorks also came to play in a big way with a surprise: the emotional rollercoaster, The Wild Robot . Lowlights Despite the hype, 2024 also had its fair share of stinkers. Key among them were Adult Swim’s adaptation of Junji Ito’s magnum opus, Uzumaki , and the second season of the ultra-competitive Blue Lock anime. While 2024 had its fair share of forgettable projects, their own petard hoisted the hype for these titles above, to borrow a phrase from Bill Shakespeare. While it is easy for fans to blame shows for being poor in quality, it is essential to acknowledge that the actual reason behind the shortcomings of highly anticipated shows is the unrealistic timetables imposed on animators by higher-ups . These conditions force animators to complete a show under immense pressure , leading to disappointing results for fans and crunch for workers . Hopefully, next year will see more animators receiving the respect they deserve and fewer ceiling-less monopolies of the space . It would also be remiss not to mention the massive anime leaks this fall as another glaring lowlight of the year. Thankfully, the online community banded together to help cease the spread of hotly anticipated shows, trying to prevent ruining the fun for their fellow fans and animators who poured all their talent into their official release. A big year for fantasy In a refreshing change of pace, this year saw animation return to form, putting out stellar fantasy anime that wasn’t the derivative isekai and reborn series that have oversaturated the space for the past decade. Leading the charge in the renaissance of fantasy anime were studio Madhouse’s Frieren and Trigger’s Delicious in Dungeon . Returning fantasy series like Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation , Re:Zero , and Konosuba concluded the year by reminding fans of the high quality that the best of the genre still has to offer. Remakes galore Hollywood isn’t the only industry that discovered the novelty in making something that was once old new again to a new generation of fans. Globally, animation has been riding that wave for quite some time. However, no group of remakes has come quite close to the level of acclaim that mangaka Rumiko Takahashi’s Urusei Yatsura and Ranma 1/2 have. Aside from continuing the long-held belief that female mangaka has the sauce, these particular remakes have demonstrated the versatility of animation studios like JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure ‘s David Production and Jujutsu Kaisen ‘s Mappa whenever they’re not tasked with adapting shonen that takes itself too seriously. They’re funny and cute, and I want more remakes of Takahashi’s works now. The end is nigh The elephant in the room of 2024 was the reality that many of anime’s marquee shonen series, such as My Hero Academia , Demon Slayer , and Jujutsu Kaisen , are winding down to their final curtain call. While JJK will have more time on the clock before it reaches the final page of its manga that concluded in September , My Hero Academia and Demon Slayer ‘s ends are closer in view. In typical Utotable fashion, Demon Slayer ‘s finale will be a film trilogy, while My Hero Academia ‘s final season is set to premiere sometime next year. These shows coming to an end is notable not only for its undeniable influence on the anime community as the new wave of shonen—their end also comes with the excitement of what new shows will define the next generation of anime. Testing the waters As mentioned above, this year saw a new wave of animated projects that boldly enriched the medium with unique tales that innovated beyond cliches and trends from past generations. To not double this already lengthy report card’s length, here’s a short list of more shows we felt brought something new and worthwhile to 2024: If you passed any of these up, be sure to give them a watch over the holiday break and nod in approval of our artistic taste and the thrilling artistry on display from the media above. All this to say, 2024 was an exciting year for animation, and 2025 looks to raise the stakes even higher with exciting new TV shows, continuations, and films. If we were remiss in not mentioning an animated show or movie that you think deserves to be acknowledged, we encourage you to enroll—as it were—and put your fellow animation connoisseurs on to some good shit before we feast on even more animation in 2025.Biden will decide on US Steel acquisition after influential panel fails to reach consensus WASHINGTON (AP) — A powerful government panel has failed to reach consensus on the possible national security risks of a nearly $15 billion proposed deal for Nippon Steel of Japan to purchase U.S. Steel. The Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States on Monday sent its long-awaited report to President Joe Biden, a longtime opponent of the deal. Some federal agencies represented on the panel were skeptical that allowing a Japanese company to buy an American-owned steelmaker would create national security risks. That's according to a U.S. official familiar with the matter. Both Biden and President-elect Donald Trump opposed the merger and vowed to block it. Nippon Steel says it is confident the deal will go ahead. Nissan and Honda to attempt a merger that would create the world's No. 3 automaker TOKYO (AP) — Japanese automakers Nissan and Honda have announced plans to work toward a merger that would catapult them to a top position in an industry in the midst of tectonic shifts as it transitions away from its reliance on fossil fuels. The two companies said they signed an agreement on integrating their businesses on Monday. Smaller Nissan alliance member Mitsubishi Motors agreed to join the talks. News of a possible merger surfaced earlier this month. Japanese automakers face a strong challenge from their Chinese rivals and Tesla as they make inroads into markets at home and abroad. What a merger between Nissan and Honda means for the automakers and the industry BANGKOK (AP) — Japanese automakers Honda and Nissan will attempt to merge and create the world’s third-largest automaker by sales as the industry undergoes dramatic changes in its transition away from fossil fuels. The two companies said they had signed a memorandum of understanding on Monday and that smaller Nissan alliance member Mitsubishi Motors also had agreed to join the talks on integrating their businesses. Honda will initially lead the new management, retaining the principles and brands of each company. Following is a quick look at what a combined Honda and Nissan would mean for the companies, and for the auto industry. Survey: Small businesses are feeling more optimistic about the economy after the election A survey shows small business owners are feeling more optimistic about the economy following the election. The National Federation of Independent Businesses’ Small Business Optimism Index rose by eight points in November to 101.7, its highest reading since June 2021. The Uncertainty Index declined 12 points in November to 98, following October’s pre-election record high of 110. NFIB Chief Economist Bill Dunkelberg said small business owners became more certain about future business conditions following the presidential election, breaking a nearly three-year streak of record high uncertainty. The survey also showed that more owners are also hoping 2025 will be a good time to grow. Heavy travel day starts with brief grounding of all American Airlines flights WASHINGTON (AP) — American Airlines briefly grounded flights nationwide due to a technical problem just as the Christmas travel season kicked into overdrive and winter weather threatened more potential problems for those planning to fly or drive. Government regulators cleared American flights to get airborne Tuesday about an hour after the Federal Aviation Administration ordered a national ground stop, which prevented planes from taking off. American said in an email that the problem was caused by vendor technology in its flight operating system. Aviation analytics company Cirium said flights were delayed across American’s major hubs, with only 37% leaving on time. Nineteen flights were cancelled. Nordstrom to be acquired by Nordstrom family and a Mexican retail group in $6.25 billion deal Century-old department store Nordstrom has agreed to be acquired and taken private by Nordstrom family members and a Mexican retail group in a $6.25 billion deal. Nordstrom shareholders will receive $24.25 in cash for each share of Nordstrom common stock, representing a 42% premium on the company’s stock as of March 18. Nordstrom’s board of directors unanimously approved the the proposed transaction, while Erik and Pete Nordstrom — part of the Nordstrom family taking over the company — recused themselves from voting. Following the close of the transaction, the Nordstrom Family will have a majority ownership stake in the company. Stock market today: Wall Street rallies ahead of Christmas Stocks closed higher on Wall Street ahead of the Christmas holiday, led by gains in Big Tech stocks. The S&P 500 added 1.1% Tuesday. Trading closed early ahead of the holiday. Tech companies including Apple, Amazon and chip company Broadcom helped pull the market higher. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 0.9%, and the Nasdaq composite climbed 1.3%. American Airlines shook off an early loss and ended mostly higher after the airline briefly grounded flights nationwide due to a technical issue. Treasury yields held steady in the bond market. The yield on the 10-year Treasury was little changed at 4.59% An analyst looks ahead to how the US economy might fare under Trump WASHINGTON (AP) — President-elect Donald Trump won a return to the White House in part by promising big changes in economic policy — more tax cuts, huge tariffs on imports, mass deportations of immigrants working in the United States illegally. In some ways, his victory marked a repudiation of President Joe Biden’s economic stewardship and a protest against inflation. It came despite low unemployment and steady growth under the Biden administration. What lies ahead for the economy under Trump? Paul Ashworth of Capital Economics spoke recently to The Associated Press. The interview has been edited for length and clarity. American consumers feeling less confident in December, Conference Board says American consumers are feeling less confident in December, a business research group says. The Conference Board said Monday that its consumer confidence index fell back in December to 104.7 from 112.8 in November. Consumers had been feeling increasingly confident in recent months. The consumer confidence index measures both Americans’ assessment of current economic conditions and their outlook for the next six months. The measure of Americans’ short-term expectations for income, business and the job market tumbled more than a dozen points to 81.1. The Conference Board says a reading under 80 can signal a potential recession in the near future. Stock market today: Wall Street rises at the start of a holiday-shortened week Stocks closed higher on Wall Street at the start of a holiday-shortened week. The S&P 500 rose 0.7% Monday. Several big technology companies helped support the gains, including chip companies Nvidia and Broadcom. The Dow Jones Industrial Average added 0.2%, and the Nasdaq composite rose 1%. Honda's U.S.-listed shares rose sharply after the company said it was in talks about a combination with Nissan in a deal that could also include Mitsubishi Motors. Eli Lilly rose after announcing that regulators approved Zepbound as the first prescription medicine for adults with sleep apnea. Treasury yields rose in the bond market.
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Larson Financial Group LLC increased its stake in shares of RxSight, Inc. ( NASDAQ:RXST – Free Report ) by 55.8% during the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 1,536 shares of the company’s stock after buying an additional 550 shares during the period. Larson Financial Group LLC’s holdings in RxSight were worth $76,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. A number of other hedge funds also recently added to or reduced their stakes in RXST. Vanguard Group Inc. raised its stake in shares of RxSight by 2.7% during the 1st quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 1,524,510 shares of the company’s stock worth $78,634,000 after buying an additional 40,500 shares during the last quarter. Driehaus Capital Management LLC increased its holdings in RxSight by 74.9% during the 2nd quarter. Driehaus Capital Management LLC now owns 706,162 shares of the company’s stock valued at $42,490,000 after acquiring an additional 302,367 shares in the last quarter. Brown Capital Management LLC acquired a new position in RxSight during the third quarter worth about $26,813,000. Baillie Gifford & Co. raised its position in RxSight by 17.0% during the third quarter. Baillie Gifford & Co. now owns 419,004 shares of the company’s stock worth $20,711,000 after acquiring an additional 60,789 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Marshall Wace LLP purchased a new stake in shares of RxSight in the second quarter valued at about $19,512,000. 78.78% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades Several research analysts recently issued reports on the company. Needham & Company LLC restated a “buy” rating and set a $66.00 price objective on shares of RxSight in a research report on Friday, September 13th. Jefferies Financial Group initiated coverage on RxSight in a research report on Tuesday, October 29th. They issued a “buy” rating and a $72.00 price objective on the stock. Wells Fargo & Company dropped their price objective on RxSight from $68.00 to $54.00 and set an “overweight” rating for the company in a research report on Tuesday, August 6th. Oppenheimer reduced their target price on shares of RxSight from $72.00 to $65.00 and set an “outperform” rating on the stock in a report on Tuesday, August 6th. Finally, Stifel Nicolaus lowered their price target on shares of RxSight from $70.00 to $65.00 and set a “buy” rating for the company in a report on Tuesday, August 6th. Eight investment analysts have rated the stock with a buy rating, According to MarketBeat.com, the company currently has a consensus rating of “Buy” and a consensus price target of $61.63. Insider Activity at RxSight In other RxSight news, insider Ilya Goldshleger sold 3,100 shares of RxSight stock in a transaction on Friday, November 22nd. The shares were sold at an average price of $45.00, for a total value of $139,500.00. Following the transaction, the insider now owns 42,246 shares in the company, valued at $1,901,070. This trade represents a 6.84 % decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this link . Also, Director Shweta Maniar sold 3,782 shares of the company’s stock in a transaction on Tuesday, November 26th. The stock was sold at an average price of $45.88, for a total value of $173,518.16. Following the sale, the director now owns 10,902 shares of the company’s stock, valued at approximately $500,183.76. The trade was a 25.76 % decrease in their ownership of the stock. The disclosure for this sale can be found here . Over the last three months, insiders sold 62,702 shares of company stock worth $3,059,197. 9.36% of the stock is owned by company insiders. RxSight Price Performance RXST opened at $46.88 on Friday. RxSight, Inc. has a 12 month low of $28.88 and a 12 month high of $66.54. The business has a 50-day moving average of $48.70 and a two-hundred day moving average of $52.39. The stock has a market capitalization of $1.89 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of -56.48 and a beta of 1.19. About RxSight ( Free Report ) RxSight, Inc, a commercial-stage medical device company, engages in the research and development, manufacture, and sale of light adjustable intraocular lenses (LAL) used in cataract surgery in the United States and internationally. It offers RxSight system that enables doctors to customize and enhance the visual acuity for patients after cataract surgery. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for RxSight Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for RxSight and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter .
Ryan Fletcher Introduction I previously covered United Airlines ( NASDAQ: UAL ) back in June where I discussed my bullish view on the shares. Since then, the shares have risen 94%, significantly beating the wider S&P 500 ( SPX Analyst’s Disclosure: I/we have no stock, option or similar derivative position in any of the companies mentioned, and no plans to initiate any such positions within the next 72 hours. I wrote this article myself, and it expresses my own opinions. I am not receiving compensation for it (other than from Seeking Alpha). I have no business relationship with any company whose stock is mentioned in this article. Seeking Alpha's Disclosure: Past performance is no guarantee of future results. No recommendation or advice is being given as to whether any investment is suitable for a particular investor. Any views or opinions expressed above may not reflect those of Seeking Alpha as a whole. Seeking Alpha is not a licensed securities dealer, broker or US investment adviser or investment bank. Our analysts are third party authors that include both professional investors and individual investors who may not be licensed or certified by any institute or regulatory body.
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New Delhi [India], : The central government's capital expenditure is expected to surge by an impressive 25 per cent year-on-year in the second half of the financial year 2025, according to a report by Jefferies The report also noted that the overall expenditure of the government is also expected to surge by 15 per cent. It highlights that despite an increase in populist schemes in the run-up to elections, the central government remains committed to investing in infrastructure development over welfare-driven measures. The report underlined that while populist policies have gained traction, especially in state elections, the central government's spending priorities show a balanced approach. It said "Jefferies' India office expects total central government expenditure to rise by around 15% YoY in 2HFY25 ending 31 March 2025 with capex rising by over 25 per cent YoY.. Still the rise of such populist policies should be seen in the context of a central government which is still spending more on capex than welfare". The report noted that the growing success of handout schemes in state elections, such as Maharashtra's welfare programme costing ₹ 460 billion annually , does raise concerns about a potential wave of populism. The report analysis showed that 14 out of 28 Indian states already have similar schemes, covering approximately 120 million households and costing a combined 0.7-0.8 per cent of India's GDP. However, the central government's focus remains on creating long-term economic assets through infrastructure development, which is vital for sustained growth. In the financial markets, the report suggested a reasonable chance that the Indian stock market is stabilizing after a recent correction, particularly in the mid-cap segment. It said "Meanwhile, there is a reasonable possibility that the Indian stock market is bottoming out after a correction which has been primarily in the more expensive mid-cap stocks" While foreign investors sold more than USD 12.5 billion worth of Indian equities in the last two months, a significant amount by historical standards domestic investors have absorbed the outflows. Notably, October saw record inflows into equity mutual funds, even as the stock market was undergoing a correction. The report emphasized that the strong domestic inflows are a reassuring factor for India's markets. The combined effects of government capex spending and robust local investment suggest a stable outlook, even amid concerns over rising populist measures at the state level. This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.LAHORE, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 8th Dec, 2024) wedding-hall owners and those starting a hall in the province must obtain a mandatory licence the Food Authority (PFA), according to a release issued here. The PFA formulates standards, procedures, processes and guidelines related to any aspect of food, including , food labeling, food additives and a description of the appropriate enforcement system. This body issues permits for food businesses across to enforce food safety and quality standards. The hall is directly related to the food items that are served to guests at events. Similarly, the PFA issues a hall license after reviewing every aspect related to the quality and process of the food, for which a specific fee is also charged. The Food Authority has made it easy to register a online, by filling a form. The applicant can also calculate the hall licence fee by providing details through the online form. The details you have to provide include category, investment or stock position, daily sales, , number of employees, location and utility bills. The licence fee for a hall with an investment of up to Rs3 and a seating capacity of more than 75 people is around Rs. 50,000.NEW YORK , Nov. 22, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Attorney Advertising -- Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman, LLC, a nationally recognized law firm, notifies investors that a class action lawsuit has been filed against Wolfspeed, Inc. ("Wolfspeed" or "the Company") (NYSE: WOLF ) and certain of its officers. Class Definition This lawsuit seeks to recover damages against Defendants for alleged violations of the federal securities laws on behalf of all persons and entities that purchased or otherwise acquired Wolfspeed securities between August 16, 2023 and November 06, 2024 inclusive (the "Class Period"). Such investors are encouraged to join this case by visiting the firm's site: bgandg.com/WOLF. Case Details The Complaint alleges that on November 6, 2024 , Wolfspeed announced its financial results for the first quarter of fiscal year 2025, revealing that the actual performance of the Mohawk Valley facility was far below expectations, and that the 20% utilization of the facility would lead to revenue 30% to 50% lower than the previously projected $100 million . The Complaint adds that the company attributed the shortfall and lowered guidance to slower-than-expected demand, citing that EV customers were adjusting their launch timelines as the market navigated a transition period. Following this announcement, Wolfspeed's stock price reportedly dropped by more than 39%. What's Next? A class action lawsuit has already been filed. If you wish to review a copy of the Complaint, you can visit the firm's site: bgandg.com/WOLF. or you may contact Peretz Bronstein, Esq. or his Client Relations Manager, Nathan Miller , of Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman, LLC at 332-239-2660 . If you suffered a loss in Wolfspeed you have until January 17, 2025 , to request that the Court appoint you as lead plaintiff. Your ability to share in any recovery doesn't require that you serve as lead plaintiff. There is No Cost to You We represent investors in class actions on a contingency fee basis. That means we will ask the court to reimburse us for out-of-pocket expenses and attorneys' fees, usually a percentage of the total recovery, only if we are successful. Why Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman, LLC is a nationally recognized firm that represents investors in securities fraud class actions and shareholder derivative suits. Our firm has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors nationwide. Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes. Contact Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman, LLC Peretz Bronstein or Nathan Miller 332-239-2660 | [email protected] SOURCE Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman, LLC
Joel Embiid returned from a seven-game absence to provide 31 points and 12 rebounds as the Philadelphia 76ers held off the host Chicago Bulls for a 108-100 win on Sunday afternoon. Embiid carried Philadelphia to its fourth win in five games after sitting out to manage a left knee injury. Tyrese Maxey backed the big man with his first career triple-double, collecting 25 points, 11 rebounds and 14 assists. Paul George and Kelly Oubre Jr. chipped in 12 points apiece for the 76ers, who outshot Chicago 46.7 percent to 40.7 percent from the field. Zach LaVine racked up 30 points and the Bulls sank 19 threes, but they still couldn't avoid their second straight loss. Nikola Vucevic and Coby White each finished with 13 points, with Vucevic also snatching eight boards. After facing a 19-point deficit just over four minutes into the second half, the Bulls came to life at the end of the third. They closed the frame on an 8-0 run, with Jalen Smith canning a 3-pointer at the buzzer to get Chicago within 88-79 heading into the fourth. The Bulls trailed by only four after LaVine connected on a trey with 5:24 left in the game to make it 96-92, but that was the closest the hosts would get. LaVine put up 10 points to lift Chicago to a 33-23 lead after 12 minutes of action. Embiid completely took over in the second quarter, though, erupting for 19 points in the frame. Fifteen of those came during Philadelphia's 24-6 run to start the period, and the 76ers led by as many as 14 before taking a 62-50 advantage into the break. The Bulls made little headway following intermission, getting their deficit down to 11 at 65-54, thanks to a floater and a pair of free throws from Vucevic in the first 1:34 of the third. Embiid converted a three-point play to spark a 14-6 outburst that put Philadelphia up 79-60 with 7:44 remaining in the third. —Field Level Media/Reuters
Larson Financial Group LLC Takes $49,000 Position in Martin Marietta Materials, Inc. (NYSE:MLM)
EASTENDERS fans are convinced Nigel Bates’ return means one huge soap legend will make a shock comeback after years of rumours. Paul Bradley , 69, has left BBC viewers stunned as he reprises his legendary character for Christmas , leading many to believe that another show legend could be heading back to Albert Square. For years, there's been speculation surrounding the return of Grant Mitchell, one of EastEnders' most memorable and explosive characters. The rumours gained further momentum last month when actor Ross Kemp , 60, was spotted leaving the Walford set in a car with dark-tinted windows. Grant’s exit from the soap back in 2006 left a significant void, with his turbulent relationship with brother Phil and his fiery temper making him a household name. However, despite numerous rumors over the years, Grant has not yet made his comeback. Now, with Nigel’s sudden reappearance, fans are convinced the stage is being set. The two characters share a history , as Nigel's role in the show has always been tied to the Mitchell family, and his return has sparked wild theories about the possibility of Grant's re-emergence. Social media has been buzzing with excitement since the news broke, with fans eager to see what the future holds for the Mitchell family. Taking to X, formerly Twitter, one wrote: "Actually this makes sense, cause grant and Nigel were best friends back in the day, so if phil needs saving who bettervtgen to bring back grant #eastenders." Another added: "There's a mention of " Ghosts returning from the past" during tomorrow's 2nd episode of #EastEnders. "If Grant returns during the 2nd episode for Phil's storyline I think I'll lose my mind." Someone else gushed: "This was such a lovely surprise! I didn’t recognise him at first though! But surely this means a Grant return must also be on the cards at some point." One more concluded: "IM CRYING WE JUST NEED GRANT." Ross became a fan favourite while playing tough guy Grant from 1990 to 1999. Although he left the show to pursue other ventures, he has made a number of memorable comebacks over the years. His latest appearance was in 2016 for the emotional funeral of his on-screen mother, Peggy Mitchell, played by the late Barbara Windsor . This September, The Sun reported that Ross would be participating in the anniversary festivities by hosting a one-off documentary about the soap. A source revealed: "He will interview stars past and present about why it is so good and how important it is. "EastEnders will always have a special place in his heart and he's really excited." While Ross has been tight-lipped about any potential on-screen return, his recent sighting near the EastEnders production set has left fans abuzz. During a recent This Morning interview, Alison Hammond pressed the actor about the rumors, asking: "What is going on, are you going back for the 40th anniversary? Tell us what’s going on." Ross responded cryptically, saying: "I can tell you nothing. "I am very proud of the show celebrating 40 years and I wouldn’t have had a career, good or bad, without it. I absolutely love it and I still support it." The BBC has been keeping details of the anniversary week under wraps but has teased that it will feature an unprecedented live episode with an interactive element. Fans will be given the chance to vote on the outcome of a pivotal love story, with the cast and crew adapting live to the audience's choice. The live broadcast is set for February 2025 and promises to be a historic moment for the show. Executive Producer Chris Clenshaw said: "The 40th anniversary is a milestone event for EastEnders, and we have been planning this week for a long time to ensure that it’s a week full of drama and surprises." Monday December 23 - 6am iPlayer & 7:30pm BBC One Tuesday December 24 - 6am iPlayer & 7:45pm BBC One Christmas Day - 7:30pm & 10:35pm BBC One & iPlayer Boxing Day - 8:30pm BBC One & iPlayer Monday December 30 - 6am iPlayer & 7:30pm BBC One Tuesday December 31 - 6am iPlayer & 7:30pm BBC One New Year's Day - 10pm BBC One & iPlayer Thursday January 2 - 6am iPlayer & 7:30pm BBC One This week, Paul revealed exactly why he agreed to return to his old job. Nigel could be seen back in Walford having fallen on hard times during EastEnders' Christmas Eve episode. However, it appears from today’s episode his life has changed significantly. Nigel was last seen in 1998 when he left Walford for a new life in Scotland with wife Julie, daughter Clare and stepson Josh. But, now back in Walford, Nigel was seen looking homeless as he came into contact with Yolande Trueman at the community centre’s soup kitchen. Paul said he is still recognised on the street by soap fans and said the cast have been friendly and welcoming. He said: “I’m thrilled and honoured to be back as Nigel. Despite it being such a long time ago, I still get recognised as Nigel in the street. "Returning has been great as I’m so familiar with many of the faces at EastEnders, and they are a very friendly bunch. "It’s fantastic to work with Steve McFadden again - I’m a huge admirer of his work, and he sets the bar really high. I’m having a really good time.” Despite his new life in Scotland, Nigel has mysteriously returned to Walford alone as Phil will get a visit from the ghost of Christmas past. The Sun on Sunday exclusively revealed how Paul was making a shock comeback in time for the 40th anniversary. However, his return for Christmas was totally unexpected.Syria latest: Syrians celebrate in the streets as Russian media says Assad has arrived in Moscow