I need to replace the outer rear lamp assembly on our 2020 Escape. All of the Youtube videos I have seen just show you removing the lamp assembly however the cable disappears off into the bodywork. From within the tailgate area you can see the connector behind a grille but I seriously can't believe that I need to remove the whole inner panel to get to the connector? Lower down there is a smaller grille that looks like it should come off (but don't want to risk breaking it). If I could get that off there is a slim chance I may be able to get my hand up to release the old connector.
Any tips / tricks please.

The connector is behind the top grille. Is it possible to remove the bottom grille to reach the connector?

This is the connector I need to get to.