An EastEnders fan-favourite character will be at the centre of a breast cancer storyline – after making a surprise return to Albert Square this Christmas.
Sam Mitchell, who is played by Kim Medcalf, will be diagnosed with cancer after discovering a lump in her breast in upcoming scenes.
While Sam initially tries to keep the discovery to herself, her erratic behaviour soon alerts her family to something being wrong with the Walford resident.
Sam’s nearest and dearest, including Jack (Scott Maslen), Denise (Diane Parish) and Phil (Steve McFadden), encourage her to go to the doctors and get the lump checked.
The results will later confirm that Sam has cancer, and thanks to her early diagnosis, is able to make a full recovery and have the lump removed.
The scenes that are set to air in the New Year will follow Sam and those around her from the moment she seeks out medical help to receiving a diagnosis and treatment.
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EastEnders fan-favourite character Sam Mitchell will be at the centre of a breast cancer storyline – after making a surprise return to Albert Square this Christmas
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The character will be diagnosed with cancer after discovering a lump in her breast in upcoming scenes
The BBC revealed: ‘It will highlight the importance of speaking to medical professionals when changes occur in your breast.’
EastEnders has worked alongside support Breast Cancer Now as well as experts in the field to ensure the storyline is accurate and handled sensitively for viewers at home.
EastEnders executive producer Ben Wadley said: ‘It was imperative that we worked with Breast Cancer Now to ensure that Sam’s important breast cancer storyline was portrayed sensitively and accurately.
‘Sam is initially hesitant to seek medical advice after she finds a lump in her breast but with the support of family and friends, Sam gets help quickly, and because her cancer is caught early, she’s able to successfully remove her breast lump via a lumpectomy in the New Year.’
While Breast Cancer Now’s Sally Kum said: ‘Sam’s experience will resonate with thousands of EastEnders viewers.
‘We’ve drawn on our insights and extensive expertise supporting people affected by breast cancer to help guide this storyline and ensure it’s portrayed authentically.
‘We know that the earlier breast cancer is diagnosed, the better the chances of successful treatment and, ultimately, of lives being saved.
‘As such, EastEnders is delivering a vital health message by raising awareness of the importance of breast checking, knowing the signs and symptoms of breast cancer, and getting any new or unusual breast changes checked by a GP.’
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Sam’s character will make her return this Christmas
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Viewers can expect an explosive storyline as Sam, played by Kim Medcalf, will come face to face with her ex-murder accomplice Zoe Slater (Michelle Ryan)
It comes after it was revealed that EastEnders is pulling out all the stops this Christmas, with Sam Mitchell set to make a dramatic return to Albert Square.
Viewers can expect an explosive storyline as Sam, played by Kim Medcalf, will come face to face with her ex-murder accomplice Zoe Slater (Michelle Ryan).
Zoe and Sam have not seen each other for over 20 years, and whilst there is no doubt that Zoe has had difficult times, she never took any responsibility for her role in Den Watts’ murder which Sam initially took the blame for.
In June, Zoe, best known for her iconic ‘You ain’t my mother!’ moment, made a return to the BBC soap after 20 years away.
As the enemies come face-to-face for the first time, only time will tell if the pair are willing to put their troubles from the past aside, or if Sam has an ulterior motive for revenge.
If her past behaviour is anything to go by, Sam will not receive a warm welcome from her family upon her return, but with a troubling situation causing concern for the estranged Mitchell sister, it soon becomes apparent that Sam needs her family now more than ever.
Speaking on her return, actress Kim said: ‘It’s such a joy to be asked to come back to EastEnders, especially as it’s the festive period and you know there will always be plenty of fireworks.
‘I love the character of Sam, she always causes drama wherever she goes, but she also has that vulnerable side too, which is great to play. It’s also lovely being back on set with the fantastic cast and to see old friends and new faces.’
Ben Wadey, EastEnders Executive Producer added: ‘I’m delighted to welcome Kim Medcalf back to EastEnders for a short stint later this year.
‘It’s no secret that wherever Sam Mitchell goes, drama inevitably follows, and with ex-accomplice Zoe Slater back in the Square, only time will tell if there is space for forgiveness between the pair, or whether battle lines will be drawn.’
Following the announcement, fans shared their excitement on Instagram, writing: ‘The queen in back’ and ‘My jaw dropped’.
Dirty Den was bludgeoned to death in self-defence in the show’s special 20th anniversary episode.
The infamous moment was watched by a staggering 14.34 million people, with almost 60% of possible viewers’ tuning in.
Alongside Sam (Kim Medcalf) and Zoe, Chrissie Watts attempted to cover up the murder, burying Den under the floor of The Vic barrel store.
She managed to get away with her crime for months, living with Den’s beloved adoptive daughter, Sharon Watts (Letitia Dean), and his son Dennis Rickman (Nigel Harman).
But when Sam drunkenly dug up the body, she was held responsible for the murder until Phil (Steve McFadden) and Grant Mitchell (Ross Kemp) returned to help their sister and uncovered the truth, with Chrissie being sent to prison.
EastEnders airs Monday to Thursday at 8pm on BBC One.
