Mitchell return short-lived

Danniella Westbrook’s return to EastEnders may be short-lived as The Sun reports her character of Sam Mitchell will depart Albert Square before the year is out. 

According to the tabloid the actress signed a three month contract with the London based soap which will not be renewed and will bow out in an “explosive” storyline towards the end of the year.

Westbrook reprised the role of Sam over the summer and appeared on screen at the beginning of September following nine years away from the saga.  

The character was recast in 2002 with Kim Medcalf playing the role for almost five years, leaving in 2005 after Sam was wanted by the police for perverting the course in justice in relation to the murder of Den Watts. It’s believed to be a first in UK soap for an actor to reprise a role after it has been recast.

Westbrook previously played the role of Sam in three stints between 1990 and 2000.