Fans of BBC's EastEnders are buzzing with excitement following the dramatic and highly anticipated return of one of Walford's most legendary figures. Samantha 'Sam' Mitchell, portrayed by actress Kim Medcalf, has sauntered back onto Albert Square, setting the stage for what promises to be an explosive festive period and a gripping new year.
The Queen of Chaos is Back
Sam Mitchell first arrived in Walford in 1990 and has been a volatile and central part of the formidable Mitchell dynasty ever since. While she may lack the outright physical intimidation of her older brothers, Phil and Grant Mitchell, Sam has consistently proven to be a lightning rod for drama and turmoil. Her history is a tapestry of iconic soap moments: a teenage marriage to Ricky Butcher, fierce feuds with Bianca Jackson, losing the Mitchell empire, her involvement in Den Watts' death, and abandoning her son.
Her return, which aired in early December 2025, saw Sam surveying the Square with a familiar mix of defiance and nostalgia. The reaction from the show's dedicated fanbase was immediate and ecstatic across social media platform X (formerly Twitter).
One fan, Marky Boy, declared: ‘The B*tch is BACK!’, while Ryan Glendenning added: ‘It’s so exciting to have Sam Mitchell back on the Square where she belongs after nearly 2 years away.’ Another viewer, Broden, celebrated with the character's full formal name: ‘SAMANTHA MARGARET PRISCILLA MITCHELL THE WOMAN YOU AREEEEEEE’.
A Return Shrouded in Mystery and a Vital Storyline
While her comeback alone is enough to send shockwaves through Walford, Sam's return is under a significant cloud. As previously reported, the character will discover a lump in her breast, leading to a cancer diagnosis in a storyline developed in consultation with the charity Breast Cancer Now.
This poignant plot will follow Sam's journey from initial anxiety and denial through to diagnosis, treatment, and, thankfully, a full recovery after a lumpectomy in early 2026. Actress Kim Medcalf spoke about the importance of the narrative, stating: ‘I really hope that Sam’s story shows the importance of getting checked out as soon as possible.’
She added: ‘To be given a storyline where I can play a small part in raising awareness is a real privilege. As a woman in my 50s, it’s something me and my friends talk about because we all know people affected by breast cancer.’
Festive Fireworks and Old Rivalries
Executive producer Ben Wadey, who announced the return in November 2025, hinted that Sam's brief stint would be packed with drama. He said: ‘It’s no secret that wherever Sam Mitchell goes, drama inevitably follows’, specifically pointing to the presence of her ex-accomplice Zoe Slater in the Square. He teased whether there would be ‘space for forgiveness between the pair, or whether battle lines will be drawn.’
Kim Medcalf echoed the sentiment, expressing her joy at returning for the festive period: ‘It’s such a joy to be asked to come back... you know there will always be plenty of fireworks.’ She praised the character's duality, saying: ‘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.’
With a major health battle ahead, unresolved history with family and foes, and her innate talent for creating chaos, Sam Mitchell's return ensures that Albert Square's Christmas and New Year will be unmissable television.
