EastEnders fans are in for an emotional and explosive episode tonight as Sam Mitchell (Kim Medcalf) faces a brutal confrontation, a heartbreaking confession, and a sudden hospital dash after her cancer struggle continues to come to light.

After weeks of secrecy and spiralling behaviour, Sam’s world collapses when Phil Mitchell (Steve McFadden), Ricky Branning (Frankie Day) and Julie Bates (Karen Henthorn) confront her over her actions, but what starts as fury quickly unravels into something far more complicated.

The episode begins with Phil, Ricky, and Julie arriving to confront Sam about accepting money from Nigel Bates (Paul Bradley), which he transferred to her while mistakenly believing Sam was his daughter, Claire, due to his dementia.

Phil, Freddie and Julie confront Sam over Nigel’s money

Sam tries desperately to defend her choices, but the argument becomes heated fast. Nigel, drawn in by the shouting, becomes distressed and confused. Unable to process what’s happening, he storms out in tears.

His emotional reaction only heightens the tension, especially for Julie, who is disgusted Nigel has been taken advantage of.

Overwhelmed by anger and betrayal, Julie lashes out and punches Sam, demanding: how could she do that to a vulnerable, confused man? She reminds Sam that Nigel’s reality is slipping every day and that he believed he was helping his own daughter.

The moment is raw, furious and deeply uncomfortable, leaving Sam shaken and Phil reeling.

Phil tells Sam to leave, until the truth comes out

Furious and hurt, Phil snaps and tells Sam to get out of his house. As siblings, Sam and Phil have clashed countless times over the years, but this betrayal cuts deeper than usual. For Phil, who has grown protective of Nigel, this feels like a line crossed.

But everything shifts when Nigel, calmer and more aware, confesses something no one expected.

Nigel tells the group that yes, he did confuse Sam for Claire, but he wanted to give her the money anyway. He explains that he could see she was scared and struggling, and he recognised that feeling all too well. He also knew she was trying to help Freddie and simply wanted to ease her burden.

His gentle, honest explanation reframes everything, and leaves Phil and Julie questioning whether Sam’s actions came from cruelty or sheer desperation.

Sam opens up to Freddie

With the truth out, Sam seeks out her son Ricky to make things right. Their relationship has been strained for a long time, and Sam finally breaks, apologising. She admits she just wanted to help him and show him she loves him, but her fear drove her to make terrible choices.

Phil steps up for his sister

Best known for tough love and Mitchell stubbornness, Phil makes an unexpected move. Realising Sam has been acting out of fear, he tells her she doesn’t have to face the illness alone and invites her to come back and live with him.

Phil promises to support her through whatever comes next, a rare moment of vulnerability and compassion between the often volatile siblings.

He takes her to the hospital for a scan, determined to help her find out how serious the cancer is and begin the road to treatment.

Tonight’s episode is a major shift in the Mitchell family dynamic. Sam’s vulnerable side is laid bare, and Phil shows a level of care and protectiveness.

With Sam now finally seeking medical attention and her cancer storyline intensifying, the fallout in the coming days promises more emotional scenes and big decisions for the Mitchells.