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Danniella Westbrook is set to make a dramatic return to Walford almost 20 years since she first stepped out into Albert Square as Sam Mitchell in 1990.

Although Danniella hasn't appeared in ³ÉÈËÂÛ̳ One's EastEnders since 2000, her character Sam Mitchell was last seen on screen in 2005 (played by Kim Medcalf) before she bolted off to Brazil, a suspect in Dirty Den's murder.

What is it that makes Sam decide to leave the land of sunshine and samba knowing she faces possible arrest as she lands back in Blighty? What will the regulars in the Queen Vic make of her reappearance? Who will welcome the original Mitchell Sister back with open arms? Who would rather see her board the first flight back to Rio?

Danniella says of her return to Walford: "I'm really happy to be coming back, it feels just like coming home. I'm really looking forward to working with Barbara, Steve, Sid and Patsy and I'm over the moon to be working with the new boss Diederick Santer.

"I can't wait to get the scripts to see what Sam Mitchell has been up to since she was last in the Square."

EastEnders Executive Producer, Diederick Santer, added: "With all the turmoil facing the Mitchells this year, it feels like a great time to bring back Sam, the original Mitchell Sister.

"What will Ronnie and Roxy make of her? Will Peggy and Phil be pleased to see her? And will Ricky's eternal devotion to Bianca be tested by the reappearance of his glamourous ex-wife?

"I'd like to take this opportunity to thank Kim Medcalf for her great work playing Sam Mitchell for three years and welcome Danniella back to pick up the baton once again."

EastEnders Publicity