EastEnders fans were stunned on Thursday (4 December) as Sam Mitchell made a sinister return to Walford, lurking in the shadows as she watched Zoe Slater. The character, played by Kim Medcalf, has not yet spoken, but viewers are convinced she is back for revenge over events that took place 20 years ago.
The return unfolded as Zoe Slater was chatting with Lauren Branning in Albert Square, unaware that Sam was watching her from the darkness. The cliffhanger ending left fans delighted and speculating about Sam's motives, with many pointing to the murder of Dirty Den Watts as the reason for her vendetta.
Two decades ago, Zoe and Sam were both involved in Den's death. Zoe struck Den with a metal doorstop after he attacked his wife Chrissie, but it was Chrissie who delivered the fatal blow. Sam, who witnessed the killing, later told Zoe the truth, leading to Zoe's departure from Walford. Chrissie was arrested for murder, and Sam went on the run after helping cover up the crime.
Fans believe Sam wants revenge on Zoe, the only one of the trio who did not suffer lasting consequences. One viewer said: 'Sam has motive to get back at Zoe after all the Dirty Den stuff.' Another added: 'Wow the Return of Sam Mitchell to get revenge on Zoe 20 years since Den's death.'
However, revenge is not Sam's only reason for returning. She still has family in Walford, including her brother Phil Mitchell, her son Ricky Branning, and her granddaughter Charli Slater. Additionally, the BBC has revealed that Sam's storyline will involve a breast cancer scare after she discovers a lump, echoing her mother Peggy's battle with the disease.
Actress Kim Medcalf explained: 'Coming face-to-face with Zoe is triggering for Sam and brings up a whole series of memories that she’d much rather forget.' She added that Sam's fear of cancer stems from her mother's history, leading her to avoid facing the possibility of a serious diagnosis.
