In a stunning twist that has sent shockwaves through Albert Square, a legendary EastEnders character has made a dramatic and ominous comeback. Sam Mitchell returned to Walford in Thursday's episode (4 December 2025), with viewers immediately speculating her arrival signals a dark quest for vengeance against Zoe Slater.
A Sinister Stalker in the Shadows
The episode concluded with a classic cliffhanger, as an increasingly paranoid Zoe Slater chatted with Lauren Branning, oblivious to the fact she was being watched. Lurking in the shadows, Sam Mitchell observed her every move just before the iconic 'duff duff' theme music played. Fans were thrilled by the unexpected appearance, with many noting the deliberately creepy and menacing tone of her silent return.
This chilling visual has led the EastEnders fanbase to one conclusion: Sam is back to settle a score that is two decades old. The shared history between the two women is rooted in one of the soap's most infamous storylines—the murder of Dirty Den Watts.
The Murderous History That Binds Them
Twenty years ago, both women were directly involved in the events that led to Den's death. During a violent confrontation at The Queen Vic, Zoe, who had been having an affair with Den, struck him with a metal doorstop as he attacked his wife Chrissie. Believing they had killed him, both Zoe and Sam fled the scene.
What they didn't witness was Den reviving and attacking Chrissie once more, leading her to deliver the fatal blow. Sam later discovered the truth and struggled with the secret, eventually revealing to a traumatised Zoe that she was not the killer. Zoe subsequently left Walford, Chrissie was arrested, and Sam was forced to go on the run for her role in covering up the crime.
Fans now believe Sam harbours deep resentment towards Zoe, who they perceive as the only one of the trio who didn't have her life completely upended by the ordeal. One viewer commented on the sinister nature of her return, suggesting Sam had been "stalking Zoe" and had a clear motive tied to the past.
More Than Just Revenge: A New Chapter for Sam
While revenge may be a powerful motivator, it is not the sole reason for Sam's return to the Square. She still has strong family ties in Walford. Her brother, Phil Mitchell, lives there with his granddaughter Lexi, and her son, Ricky Branning, also resides locally alongside his daughter, Charli Slater.
Furthermore, the BBC has confirmed that Sam's storyline will extend beyond vendetta into a deeply personal health scare. The character will discover a lump in her breast, triggering fears of a cancer diagnosis, especially given her mother Peggy's own battle with the disease in 2016.
Actress Kim Medcalf, who plays Sam, explained the complexity of her character's return. "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 revealed. Regarding the health plot, Medcalf added, "This time Sam assumes it’s going to be a different outcome because of Peggy’s history. Sam feels like the same thing is going to happen to her and so she’s putting her head in the sand."
This dual narrative promises a gripping and emotional chapter for the iconic Mitchell sister, blending unresolved history with a frightening new reality.
