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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Entertainment
Joel Leaver

Danniella Westbrook turns to witchcraft after EastEnders snub

Danniella Westbrook has been performing "rituals and spells" days after sharing her frustration about being replaced on EastEnders.

The actress, 48, is best known for playing Sam Mitchell on the BBC soap - but the part has now been recast with a different actress.

Amid the drama, Westbrook recently took to social media to tell fans that she was performing rituals and spells, sharing footage on her Instagram account last night.

She shared two posts with her 79,000 followers on the platform, which appeared to show preparations for the ritual, with crystals and stones seemed laid out on a tray.

The clips, which were posted on her Instagram Story yesterday, also showed a set of "magic spell candles."

The posts were captioned: "New moon rituals, spells and truths to tell." The atmospheric videos featured the song Just Like Magic, by Ariana Grande, 28, in the background.

Danniella Westbrook most recently played Sam Mitchell in 2016 (Danniella Westbrook most recently played Sam Mitchell in 2016)

It comes after Westbrook responded to the news that the character Sam had been recast with Kim Medcalf.

She tweeted: "Wishing Kym the best of luck at [EastEnders]. Yet again this poor woman has to recreate Samantha Mitchell as close to my last two recent come backs."

Danniella originally played Sam between 1990 and 2000 and was later replaced by Kim Medcalf.

Danniella posted about 'rituals and spells' last night (danniellawestbrook_73/Instagram)
The footage showed crystals and other items, including 'magic spell candles' (danniellawestbrook_73/Instagram)

Kim took over the role from 2002 until 2005, before the character was recast with Westbrook back in the role from 2009 to 2010 as well as in 2016.

It was however announced earlier this year that Sam will return to Albert Square, though it will be Medcalf playing the character - replacing Westbrook for a second time.

Westbrook has wished Medcalf "the best of luck" but has expressed disappointment at the BBC over the decision, even threatening the broadcaster with legal action.

Kim Medcalf is set to reprise the role of Sam Mitchell on EastEnders this year (BBC)

The Celebrity Big Brother alum further commented: "Go smash it darling." She however said her legal team would be in touch with the BBC and later teased her upcoming book.

The Mirror approached the BBC and reps of Westbrook for comment.

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Westbrook previously revealed that she met Medcalf at an awards ceremony about a decade ago and said that she expressed thanks to her replacement for "keeping Sam alive."

She said: "I had never seen Kim before, so I went up to her on the red carpet and I said: 'Kim, I just wanted to say well done on the part."

The actor said she told Medcalf: "'I know you took a lot of backlash and everything for stepping in, but you did a fantastic job. You're a very talented actress and thank you for keeping Sam alive."

EastEnders continues tomorrow at 7.30pm on BBC One. You can catch-up through BBC iPlayer.

Do you have a story to sell? Get in touch with us at webcelebs@trinitymirror.com or call us direct 0207 29 33033.

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