EastEnders viewers are convinced that Sam Mitchell's return to Albert Square is part of a revenge plot against Zoe Slater, following Thursday's episode (December 4) which saw Sam following Zoe and Lauren Branning.
Sam, played by Kim Medcalf, was last seen in January 2024. Her return storyline will also see her diagnosed with breast cancer after discovering a lump, with an early diagnosis allowing a full recovery following a lumpectomy in scenes set to air in the New Year.
In Thursday's episode, Zoe was feeling down after being kicked out of the Queen Vic by her mother Kat Moon. She later learned that her former fiancé Anthony Trueman had photos of her on his laptop and a restraining order from his estranged wife Sophie. Zoe then turned to Lauren Branning, and the pair were followed through Albert Square by a figure in high heels, revealed to be Sam.
Fans took to social media to share their theories. @brumantcornell wrote: 'Wow the Return of Sam Mitchell to get revenge on Zoe after throwing Zoe in the Nick after 20 years since Den's death.' @Villaboy89 posted: 'I think Sam Mitchell is the Zoe stalker.'
An EastEnders spokesperson confirmed Sam's cancer storyline, saying: 'Although it’s clear Sam initially wants to keep her discovery to herself, her erratic behaviour soon alerts her family to the situation, and via Jack, Denise and finally Phil, Sam is encouraged to go to the doctors to get her breast lump checked.'
The episode ended with Sam following Zoe and Lauren, leaving viewers to speculate on her intentions. Sam was originally played by Danniella Westbrook from 1990, with Kim Medcalf taking over the role from 2002 to 2005 and again since 2022.
