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United States EastEnders confirms comeback for Sam Mitchell as Kim Medcalf reprises role
EastEnders will see a familiar face on Albert Square again soon, as Sam Mitchell returns.
The iconic character will return to Walford in an "explosive" comeback, and she will be played once again by Kim Medcalf.
Kim previously played Sam between 2002 and 2005. Prior to that, she was played by Danniella Westbrook, who returned again in 2009-10 and in 2016.
It's reported that EastEnders bosses first approached Kim last autumn to discuss the possibility of her coming back to the soap. She is due to start filming in a couple of weeks' time.
Neil Mockford/Alex Huckle / Stringer
Related: Why the BBC has an EastEnders dilemma after Coronation Street and Emmerdale changes
"When the BBC approached me last year to reprise the role of Sam I was thrilled," said Medcalf in a statement. "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."
"The Mitchells are one of the most iconic families in soap, and I have long wanted to bring Sam back into the family fold," said the BBC's head of continuing drama Kate Oates. "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…"
During Kim's stint on the Square, Sam was involved in a number of dramatic storylines – most notably scheming with Den Watts' wife Chrissie and their neighbour Zoe Slater to get revenge on him, ending in his murder.
Her last appearance to date aired in 2005 when Sam fled to Brazil while on bail, after learning she could face a prison sentence if found guilty of perverting the course of justice.
Sam was last seen on screen in 2016, played by Danniella, when she briefly returned to London for her mother Peggy's funeral.
Nicky JohnstonBBC
Related: Soap Movers: Who's leaving, returning and joining in EastEnders, Coronation Street, Emmerdale and Hollyoaks?
Speaking last year, Danniella praised Kim's portrayal of Sam, and said she had the opportunity to thank her in person when they met at an awards show in 2009.
"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'," she recalled.
"She was a little bit taken aback and said: 'Thank you so much'."
Sam's return to the Square comes at a time of high drama for her brother Phil, who could be facing the rest of his life in prison if charged with and found guilty of a number of serious charges police are trying to gain evidence to support.
Next week, Phil continues preparing for the possibility of prison, asking Sharon to look after his business affairs as he doesn't feel Ben is in the right place to do it.
EastEnders airs on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays on BBC One.
Read more EastEnders spoilers on our dedicated homepage.
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