Sam Mitchell makes a dramatic comeback to Albert Square this week, as she is thrown from the back of a van in front of her older brother Phil. The character, played by Kim Medcalf, 49, had left Walford in April to manage a hotel in Spain.
Her return comes as viewers see her check back into East London life, reuniting with her son Ricky and meeting her new granddaughter Charli Slater. Sam's initial departure was not permanent, and she had left to support Ricky, who was set to become a father when Lily Slater gave birth.
At the time, Sam's exit scenes showed an emotional goodbye with Ricky as she took a taxi to the airport. Despite viewers' disappointment, it was never confirmed as a permanent exit. In a subsequent episode, Denise Fox informed Kim that Sam had called to say she was staying in Spain, claiming the hotel desperately needed her, and that she would be away for most of the summer.
Denise also revealed that Jack Branning was drawing up an ad to rent out flat 5D on Albert Square, where Sam had been living. Alfie Moon overheard the news, which sparked his interest, as he is currently staying with the Slater family.
