In a dramatic week for Albert Square, Sam Mitchell makes her long-awaited return to EastEnders after an absence of nearly two years, and she is immediately thrust into a deeply personal and worrying health crisis.
A Troubling Health Discovery
Sam's comeback is marred by the terrifying discovery of a lump in her breast, forcing her to confront the ghost of her mother Peggy Mitchell's own fatal battle with the disease. Actress Kim Medcalf, who portrays the iconic character, revealed that this is the second time Sam has faced such a scare.
Sam found a lump twenty years ago and was fortunate it was not serious, but this time, her mother's history leaves her convinced the outcome will be different. Medcalf explained that Sam is so frightened she begins to bury her head in the sand, hiding her turmoil from her family and refusing to see a doctor.
Desperate Schemes and Old Wounds
Instead of seeking medical help, a panicked Sam turns to her brother, Phil Mitchell, to ask for money. This is a bold move, given their relationship was left in tatters after she exposed his affair to the entire Square before her dramatic exit.
Kim Medcalf shared that Sam is nervous about facing Phil, but being a character who lives in the moment, she does not dwell on the past. Her desperation leads her to attempt to steal money from Phil's safe, a scheme that involves a heartbreaking moment with Nigel Bates.
Nigel, who is living with a dementia diagnosis, mistakenly believes Sam is his daughter, Clare. Sam, true to her scheming nature, does not correct him, but her brother soon uncovers the truth. After a failed attempt to flee with the cash, Sam confides her health secret to her former flame and father of her son, Jack Branning.
An Explosive Reunion and Vital Awareness
Sam's return also sets the stage for a highly anticipated and explosive reunion with Zoe Slater. The last time they shared the screen was in 2005, in the aftermath of Dirty Den's murder, a traumatic event that led to Sam's imprisonment and Zoe's flight from Walford.
This confrontation opens old wounds, with Zoe immediately suspecting that Sam is behind the stalker ordeal she has been enduring. Kim Medcalf confirmed that this leads to a major showdown, though Sam is adamant she has more pressing concerns.
Beyond the drama, Medcalf emphasised the importance of the health storyline. She hopes it will encourage viewers to regularly check themselves, stating that early detection can make a significant difference in the prognosis and treatment of breast cancer.
She described having the chance to work with Michelle Ryan (Zoe Slater) again after two decades as a lovely experience, allowing them to reminisce about their characters' pasts. EastEnders airs Mondays to Thursdays at 7:30pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
