EastEnders fans will be ecstatic to hear that the iconic Sam Mitchell is once again returning to the BBC soap after nearly six years.
But rather than seeing original star Danniella Westbrook, who took on the role from 1990 until 2002 and later reprised it in 2016, Kim Medcalf will instead be playing her.
Kim, 48, played Sam from 2002 until 2005, and EastEnders bosses have now chosen her to take over the role once more after Danniella was written out on various occasions amid her struggles with drug addiction – which she has always been candid about.
On stepping into Sam’s shoes once more, Kim said: “When the BBC approached me last year to reprise the role of Sam I was thrilled. She’s a brilliant character and I can’t wait to get back in the Square this spring and work with the amazing cast of both familiar and new faces.”
(Image: PA)
Meanwhile, head of continuing drama at the BBC, Kate Oates, added: “The Mitchells are one of the most iconic families in soap, and I have long wanted to bring Sam back into the family fold. With Phil potentially facing a long spell inside, Sam arrives back in Walford ready to take what she sees as her rightful place in the Mitchell empire.
“But with strong grudges against Kat, Sharon, Jack and Denise, to name but a few, her return is guaranteed to be explosive…”
Sources claimed to The Sun that BBC soap bosses have been in talks with Kim since autumn last year.
(Image: Press Association)
One said: “Sam’s return has been on the cards for some time. They felt [Kim] was a natural fit for this version of Sam. It’s nothing against Danniella, she created an icon as the character.
“But as often happens in soaps, the bosses wanted to recast and take Sam in a different direction. Kim is due to begin filming in two weeks and everyone is very excited.”
Earlier this month, Danniella opened up about the recasting rumours on Instagram as she wished the best of luck to whoever would be taking on the role of Sam.
(Image: BBC)
She wrote: “The @bbceastenders have not contacted me to say they are re-casting or if they have. But that’s OK. Who plays Sam next I wish all the luck in the world to. Enjoy.”
She added the hashtag #OutWithTheOldInWithTheNew.
And Danniella has previously praised Kim’s performance as her iconic character, recalling an opportunity to speak to her at an awards show in 2009.
She said: “I had never seen [Kim] before, so I went up to her on the red carpet and I said: ‘Kim, I just wanted to say well done on the part. I know you took a lot of backlash and everything for stepping in, but you did a fantastic job. You’re a very talented actress and thank you for keeping Sam alive, keeping her going’”.
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
