EastEnders enthusiasts across the UK have received an early Christmas present with the confirmation that Walford legend Sam Mitchell is returning to Albert Square for a dramatic festive stint.
Kim Medcalf will reprise her role as the iconic character next month, marking her first appearance since departing the BBC soap in 2024. The announcement comes after weeks of speculation sparked by fan-shot drone footage from the Elstree Studios set that appeared to show Sam back on the square.
Official Confirmation and Cast Reactions
The official EastEnders Instagram account finally put rumours to rest yesterday by posting confirmation of Sam Mitchell's return. The news sent fans into a frenzy, with hundreds flooding the comments section with excitement and calls for a permanent comeback.
Kim Medcalf expressed her delight at returning to the role, stating: "It's such a joy to be asked to come back to EastEnders, especially as it's the festive period and you know there will always be plenty of fireworks."
"I love the character of Sam, she always causes drama wherever she goes, but she also has that vulnerable side too, which is great to play," she added. "It's also lovely being back on set with the fantastic cast and to see old friends and new faces."
EastEnders executive producer Ben Wadey echoed the excitement, revealing: "I'm delighted to welcome Kim Medcalf back to EastEnders for a short stint later this year. It's no secret that wherever Sam Mitchell goes, drama inevitably follows."
Historic Reunion With Murder Accomplice
This return promises particularly explosive scenes as it marks the first time Sam will share the screen with Zoe Slater (Michelle Ryan) since their dark secret bound them together twenty years ago.
Long-time viewers will remember the dramatic events that unfolded when Den Watts' wife Chrissie teamed up with Sam and Zoe, all victims of the notorious landlord's manipulation. During a heated confrontation, Zoe struck Den with Pauline Fowler's dog-shaped doorstop.
In a twist that defined their relationship, both Sam and Chrissie allowed Zoe to believe she'd delivered the fatal blow, when in reality Sam witnessed Den revive and grab Chrissie, who finished him off with another strike. Sam later used this knowledge to blackmail Zoe into handing over the Queen Vic.
Wadey hinted at the unresolved tension between the former accomplices, noting: "With ex-accomplice Zoe Slater back in the Square, only time will tell if there is space for forgiveness between the pair, or whether battle lines will be drawn."
Fan Frenzy and Social Media Buzz
The official announcement triggered an overwhelming response from dedicated EastEnders followers. Comments on the Instagram post ranged from "1 episode or 100 episodes, it's just great to have Kim back as Sam!" to passionate pleas for a longer stay.
Multiple fans called for a permanent return, with comments including "Long stint only please", "Brilliant she is fantastic! need her permanently", and "Get her back for a long stint!!"
Kim Medcalf amplified the excitement by sharing her enthusiasm on X (formerly Twitter), posting: "So excited to be back on the Square!!! ❤️ xxx" on November 9, 2025. This prompted further reactions from viewers, including one who wrote: "Welcome home!! We'd LOVE a full-time return as Sam!"
Another fan highlighted the significance of the reunion, commenting: "Welcome back Kim!! Shame it's for a short stint... but I'll take anything to have new scenes of you and Michelle (Zoe) together!!"
The timing seems particularly fitting given that Kim and Michelle Ryan were spotted enjoying a pre-Christmas catch-up last year, months before Zoe's own return to Albert Square was announced.
Recent Mitchell Family Drama
Sam's most recent departure from Walford in 2024 followed explosive conflict with her brother Phil Mitchell (Steve McFadden). The rift emerged when Sam publicly exposed Phil's infidelity after discovering he planned to withhold her share of Aunt Sal's inheritance.
Reflecting on the sibling fallout at the time, Kim Medcalf suggested reconciliation might eventually be possible: "I think it's feasible that there could come a point in the future where Phil admits that Sam might have been wrong in how she did it, but the situation was all caused by his error."
"Sam didn't make up the fact he slept with Emma - she just exposed him and his deceit," she reasoned. "So, if I'm being positive, I believe there is potential for them to repair things. The Mitchells are a family who go through a lot and are used to this drama between them."
With Sam Mitchell's return confirmed for December 2025, EastEnders viewers can anticipate the perfect storm of festive drama, historic reunions, and the inevitable fireworks that follow wherever Sam goes.
