EastEnders fans ‘so excited’ as much-loved legend returns to the Square
There’s a few necessary ingredients that go into a huge soap return. A character of legendary proportions, unhealed trauma from when they left, historic enemies and, more often than not, a huge secret. EastEnders’ Sam Mitchell (Kim Medcalf) is the recipe, and fans are overjoyed to see the Mitchell sister back in Walford.
Sam, played by Kim or Danniella Westbrook, has been one of the most volatile components of the legendary Mitchell dynasty since 1990. While lacking the intimidation factor and hair-trigger temper of big brothers Phil (Steve McFadden) and Grant (Ross Kemp), where Sam goes, chaos is never far behind.
From a teenage wedding to Ricky Butcher (Sid Owen) and a fiery feud with Bianca Jackson (Patsy Palmer), to losing the entire Mitchell empire to Andy Hunter (Michael Higgs) before her role in Den Watts’ (Leslie Grantham) death, abandoning her son, Ricky and her recent drama with Phil, Sam is truly a lightening rod for trouble.
Sauntering back onto the Square and surveying the setting of some of her best and worst times, fans rejoiced to see Sam back, aware of the carnage she’s always been capable of creating.
Over on X/Twitter, Marky Boy/MarkMctaggart94 enthused: ‘The B*tch is BACK!’ while Ryan Glendenning/RyanSoapKing25 agreed: ‘It’s so exciting to have Sam Mitchell back on the Square where she belongs after nearly 2 years away.’
Josh/sharonsstacey added: Samantha is home to carry the Christmas period! #EastEnders, while chels/chelseasandrax said: ‘THE QUEEN IS BACK’
Broden/cupofteakim even gave the comeback Queen the full name treatment! ‘SAMANTHA MARGARET PRISCILLA MITCHELL THE WOMAN YOU AREEEEEEE’
Ryan Glendenning/RyanSoapKing25 speculated on what could’ve brought Sam back, beside what’s already been announced: ‘WHAT A DUFF DUFF! After nearly 2 years away – Sam Mitchell is back on Albert Square but why is she back in Walford and is she Zoe’s stalker?’
EastEnders bosses announced Sam’s return last month, with boss Ben Wadey saying: ‘I’m delighted to welcome Kim Medcalf back to EastEnders for a short stint later this year.
‘It’s no secret that wherever Sam Mitchell goes, drama inevitably follows, and with ex-accomplice Zoe Slater back in the Square, only time will tell if there is space for forgiveness between the pair, or whether battle lines will be drawn.’
Actress Kim said: ‘It’s such a joy to be asked to come back to EastEnders, especially as it’s the festive period and you know there will always be plenty of fireworks,’ Kim was quoted.
‘I love the character of Sam, she always causes drama wherever she goes, but she also has that vulnerable side too, which is great to play. It’s also lovely being back on set with the fantastic cast and to see old friends and new faces.’
Sam’s cancer battle
As previously reported, Sam has returned under a cloud, having found a lump in her breast that will ultimately be diagnosed as cancer.
The issue-based story will follow Sam’s initial anxiety at discovering the lump, her initial denial of medical attention to ultimately acquiescing, receiving a formal diagnosis and the treatment that follows. In scenes broadcast in early 2026, the plot will thankfully see Sam make a full recovery after undergoing a lumpectomy.
‘This is the second time that Sam has found a lump in her breast and 20 years ago, she felt very lucky that it wasn’t anything serious,’ Kim said of the plot. ‘But this time, when she finds the lump, Sam assumes it’s going to be a different outcome because of Peggy’s history. Sam feels like the same thing is going to happen to her and so she’s putting her head in the sand.
‘The only thing she can think of is Ricky.’
Speaking on the real-life implications of the plot, Kim added: ‘I really hope that Sam’s story shows the importance of getting checked out as soon as possible. We all need to encourage each other to regularly check our breasts because if you can catch breast cancer early enough, it can make a big difference to the prognosis and treatment.
‘To be given a storyline where I can play a small part in raising awareness is a real privilege. As a woman in my 50s, it’s something me and my friends talk about because we all know people affected by breast cancer and it feels very relevant and important.’
Ben added: ‘It was imperative that we worked with Breast Cancer Now to ensure that Sam’s important breast cancer storyline was portrayed sensitively and accurately.
‘Sam is initially hesitant to seek medical advice after she finds a lump in her breast but with the support of family and friends, Sam gets help quickly, and because her cancer is caught early, she’s able to successfully remove her breast lump via a lumpectomy in the New Year.’