EastEnders Sam Mitchell has made a sensational return to the long-running BBC soap, played by Kim Medcalf for the first time in 17 years - but fans are divided over whether Kim or original actress Danniella Westbrook is better in the role.
Danniella was originally cast as Peggy Mitchell's daughter back in 1990 but Kim took over as the character between 2002 and 2005 before Danniella reprised the role that made her famous in 2009 until 2016.
Following the announcement that Kim was to return to the soap as Sam, Danniella tweeted: “The @bbceastenders have not contacted me to say they are re-casting or if they have. But that’s OK. Who plays Sam next I wish all the luck in the world to. Enjoy." But she recently told The Daily Star: “I won’t be watching. I don’t watch any soaps. I usually just watch Netflix.”
As far as the fans are concerned, the majority of people on Twitter seem thrilled at Kim’s return, with one person writing: “She’s the BEST SAM MITCHELL”.
Another wrote: “It took the best actress playing Sam Mitchell to make me rewatch Eastenders for the first time in 5 years.”
And Joseph Keith Walsh declared: "Kim was always the best Sam Mitchell."
Meanwhile, others preferred Danniella’s original version of the character with one person writing on Twitter: “For me, only @westbrookdanni makes me believe ‘Sam Mitchell’s in town.”
Barry O Reilly said: "I love you @westbrookdanni the best Sam Mitchell ever !!"
But others felt it was time that Danniella moved on from the role that made her famous before she famously battled a drug addiction. One tweeted: “Danniella Westbrook wants to get over herself. Big deal she was once in EastEnders. She isn’t now and only has herself to blame."
Speaking about reprising the role, Kim said at the time of her announcement: "When the BBC approached me last year to reprise the role of Sam I was thrilled. She’s a brilliant character and I can’t wait to get back in the Square and work with the amazing cast."
Head of Continuing Drama, Kate Oates, added: "I have long wanted to bring Sam back into the family fold. Her return is guaranteed to be explosive."
During her time on the show, Kim’s version of Sam was involved many iconic soap storylines during her tenure, including the killing of Den Watts. As to what trouble Sam will cause in Walford remains to be seen.
Let us know which Sam Mitchell you prefer in the comments below...
