The BBC soap delivered an unexpected twist on Thursday, leaving EastEnders viewers thrilled about what’s to come in upcoming episodes.
The BBC soap served up a shock twist on Thursday, sparking excitement among EastEnders fans about what lies ahead.
The much-loved character, played by Kim Medcalf, made her comeback at the beginning of December following almost two years away. At first, she attempted to take advantage of a vulnerable Nigel Bates (Paul Bradley), who confused her with his stepdaughter Clare (Gemma Bissix), in a bid to get money from him.
Sam later reconciled with her brother Phil (Steve McFadden) after their earlier fallout, and also confided in former partner Jack Branning (Scott Maslen) about her breast cancer diagnosis.
Ahead of undergoing a lumpectomy, Sam eventually told their teenage son, Ricky (Frankie Day), about her illness. She has since learned that she will need radiotherapy, which she had intended to undergo at her home in Spain.
On Thursday (February 19), Sam gathered in the Square to say an emotional farewell to Ricky, Jack, her close friend Zack Hudson (James Farrar), Lily Slater (Lillia Turner) and her granddaughter Charli. However, she admitted that leaving didn’t feel right and confessed she wanted to stay, according to OK!.
Denise Fox (Diane Parish) encouraged her to remain in Walford and undergo her treatment there instead — and in that moment, Sam appeared to make up her mind.
Her decision to stay has sparked excitement among viewers over a potential Mitchell family reunion, especially with Grant Mitchell set to return and reunite with sister Sam and brother Phil in Albert Square.
The hardman, played by Ross Kemp, was last seen in February 2025 when he briefly came back for the show’s 40th anniversary, after concerns were raised about Phil’s mental health.
Grant previously left Walford to live in Portugal, but he is set to return once again after being contacted by his estranged son, Mark Fowler Jr (Stephen Aaron-Sipple).
His comeback also coincides with the decline in health of long-time family friend Nigel, with Grant becoming involved in the character’s ongoing dementia storyline. This will be the first time in a decade that all three Mitchell siblings have been in Walford together — and viewers can hardly contain their excitement.
Taking to X, one fan posted: “At this point, I need a family reunion — Sam, Grant and Phil. #EastEnders.”
Another added: “I really hope we get plenty more time before she leaves again. We at least need a proper Grant, Phil and Sam scene.”
Another fan commented: “With Grant coming back, we could finally get those Phil/Grant/Sam scenes. #EastEnders.”
“I’m over the moon! Hopefully this leads to Sam staying for good, and with Grant returning, we might get to see more of them together, which is so exciting. Kim Medcalf is fantastic when she has strong storylines — I hope she gets more to work with. #EastEnders,” shared one viewer.
“We’ve had a Sam, Zoe, and Chrissie reunion — now can we get the Sam, Grant, and Phil reunion, please? #EastEnders,” added another.
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