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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Entertainment
Joel Leaver

Danniella Westbrook teases new role with Love Island's Jack Fincham after EastEnders snub

Danniella Westbrook has revealed that her latest acting role will see her work alongside Love Island winner Jack Fincham - who she's described as 'like a son to her'.

The actress, 48, is best known for starring on BBC soap EastEnders on and off from 1990 to 2016 - though she's since hinted she will never return - after being replaced as Sam Mitchell.

Danniella has instead expressed interest in returning to the stage, with her having trained at Sylvia Young Theatre School and performed on the West End when she was younger.

The Celebrity Big Brother alum has now revealed that she has landed herself a role in a stage production alongside pal Jack, 31, which is due to be held later this year.

Danniella Westbrook has teased that she's landed a role in a theatre production (SplashNews.com)
She said that it will see her work alongside Jack Fincham (WireImage)

Danniella spoke to the Sun recently about the opportunity, with her saying: "I'm doing panto at Christmas with Jack Fincham. Jack's my friend. He's like a little son to me."

She further told the outlet: "I like acting, I can't wait to get back to theatre. I just like to switch it up a bit and also theatre is not so much social media madness."

The actor added that it's an opportunity to meet people and enjoy performing for a live audience, with her explaining in the interview: "That's what I like about being an actor."

Danniella is best known for having played Sam Mitchell in EastEnders (BBC ONE)

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The outlet reports that Danniella said she has no plans to return to EastEnders, instead setting her sights on other projects. She said: "Maybe another soap, I want to do theatre."

Danniella had originally played Sam between 1990 and 2000, with her later replaced by Kim Medcalf, 48 - who took over the role from 2002 until her own departure in 2005.

Kim Medcalf is currently in the role on the soap (BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron)

The Albert Square resident was then recast with Danniella back in the role - which she had originated on the soap - from 2009 to 2010, with her reprising it again back in 2016.

Kim however replaced Danniella in the role for a second time earlier this year when she returned to EastEnders as Sam - with her among the cast on the show at the moment.

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