“EastEnders viewers were left stunned on Thursday’s episode when a familiar face unexpectedly returned to Walford in a dramatic duff duff — and no one saw it coming.”
EastEnders fans were left stunned during Thursday’s episode by an unexpected return to Albert Square.
The latest instalment, now available on BBC iPlayer, ended on a dramatic cliffhanger as Sam Mitchell, played by Kim Medcalf, made her surprise comeback to Walford.
It was announced last month that 51-year-old Kim would be reprising her role as Sam for a short stint this Christmas. The character was last seen in Albert Square in January 2024.
Sam has been away from Walford for almost two years, but during her absence, her rival Zoe Slater (Michelle Ryan) also returned, fearing she was being stalked.
The two characters haven’t crossed paths for 20 years, dating back to their involvement in the murder of Den Watts (Leslie Grantham). While Den’s wife Chrissie (Tracy-Ann Oberman) delivered the fatal blow, Sam initially took the blame for his death, according to OK!.
As Thursday’s episode came to an end, Zoe and Lauren Branning (Jacqueline Jossa) were seen walking across Albert Square, talking about Zoe’s supposed ‘stalker’, when the click of high heels echoed behind them.
The camera then cut to Sam, who surveyed Walford with a confident and determined look.
Fans quickly took to Twitter, now X, to react to the surprise twist, admitting they knew Sam was set to return but hadn’t expected her to appear in Thursday’s episode. One viewer wrote: ‘I knew Sam was back but wasn’t expecting to see her today #EastEnders,’ while another posted: ‘SAM’S BACK #EastEnders.’ Another speculated: ‘But is she Zoe’s stalker or not? I’m still convinced she could be #EastEnders.’
Meanwhile, another fan commented: ‘Sam Mitchell’s return was so random — I kind of wish it hadn’t been spoiled so we could’ve all been shocked together. But then again, I guess we all knew she’d come back eventually.
Another viewer posted: ‘WELCOME HOME SAM MITCHELL #EastEnders,’ while a fan celebrated: ‘Finally, Sam is back! #EastEnders,’ and yet another tweeted: ‘SPOILER!!! I knew it, welcome back Sam Mitchell x #EastEnders.’
Reflecting on Sam’s return, actress Kim Medcalf said: ‘Sam is nervous after how she left last time, particularly with the way things ended with Phil.
‘But Sam isn’t someone who dwells on the past — she lives in the moment. She heads straight to Phil’s, looking for money, and this time ropes Nigel into her scheme.’
Talking about Sam’s encounter with Zoe, Kim added: ‘Zoe is one of the last people Sam wants to run into. Facing her brings up a lot of memories Sam would rather forget, so she tries to avoid any long or serious conversations with her.
- General Hospital’s Cameron Mathison Shares Behind-the-Scenes Christmas Movie Photos
- General Hospital Spoilers: Joss Struggles After Vaughn Vanishes – Will Someone Intervene in Time?
- General Hospital Spoilers: Trina Confronts Portia About Pregnancy Secret – Does Isaiah Overhear?
- General Hospital Spoilers: Is Britt Still Hurt Over Jason Picking Carly, or Is She Just Looking Out for Him?
- Two I’m A Celebrity contestants face major setback ahead of Sunday’s ITV finale
