Danniella Westbrook returned to EastEnders to resume the role of Sam Mitchell and viewers of the BBC soap welcomed her back with open arms.
The London-born star has played the strong-willed Mitchell, on and off, since 1990. She first left the show in 1993, but has made several returns.
Looking fierce Sam Mitchell!#EastEnders https://t.co/vLgX6NvmNb
— BBC EastEnders (@bbceastenders) June 30, 2016
In her latest trip to Albert Square on Thursday, Sam revealed that her brother Grant (Ross Kemp) would not be attending the funeral of their mother Peggy Mitchell (formerly played by Dame Barbara Windsor).
EastEnders’ Samantha Womack, Danniella Westbrook and Letitia Dean (Jack Barnes/BBC)
She also teased Sharon Mitchell (Letitia Dean) about kissing Grant and ensured her presence unsettled old flame Jack Branning (Scott Maslen).
Danniella’s reappearance in EastEnders coincided with a moving episode of Channel 5 series In Therapy in which she opened up about her turbulent life.
For the past 20 years, the actress has lived her life in the media spotlight, with a much publicised struggle with drugs being just one of the battles she has been forced to face.
Danniella Westbrook appeared in Channel 5′s In Therapy (Channel 5)
Following on from In Therapy on Tuesday night, viewers of EastEnders took to Twitter to express their feelings about an old favourite returning.
We love you, Danniella
@westbrookdanni Welcome back #SamMitchell causing trouble already
— Charlie (@ItsCharlieYall) July 1, 2016
Omg sooo good to have Sam Mitchell back on #EastEnders 😍👌
— Diamond Girl (@diamond_truth) June 30, 2016
There's something bout Sam Mitchell from Eastenders that just ticks all my boxes! Phwoor!
— J A M E S (@James_Page2011) June 30, 2016
@westbrookdanni you beauty! 😘 you are and always have been the ONLY Sam Mitchell!! Love it! #EastEnders
— Jodey Grant (@jodeyG87) June 30, 2016
Great to see Sam Mitchell back in Eastenders @westbrookdanni 💕
— Danielle Rushworth✌️ (@Hausofdaniellee) June 30, 2016
@bbceastenders @westbrookdanni am loving Sam Mitchell back in #eastenders plz come back full time!
— Martyn (@martyntravers) June 30, 2016
Yeah Sam Mitchell is back!, hope she stays too #EastEnders
— Bev Burton (@BevKillerB) June 30, 2016
Sam Mitchell is back🎊🎊🎊🎊🎉🎉🎉🎉🔥🔥🔥🔥 #Eastenders
— Smiley girl❤️❤️ (@Smiley_UnionJ) June 30, 2016
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