EastEnders' Sam Mitchell is returning to Albert Square - but will be played by Kim Medcalf rather than Danniella Westbrook.
Sam's return has been "on the cards" for some time, say sources and casting Kim was "nothing against Danniella", who played the character originally.
Sam first stepped onto the soap in 1990 as Peggy Mitchell's daughter and was played by 17-year-old Danniella.
But in real life the actress fell into a spiral of drug addiction, her character was replaced by Kim in 2002.
Sam's actress then changed again when Danniella, 48, stepped into the role for appearances in 2009 and 2016.
Soap bosses confirmed Kim's return as Sam, who left her husband and son Ricky to work on a cruise ship as a holiday rep.
One source said: “Sam’s return has been on the cards for some time. They felt she was a natural fit for this version of Sam. It’s nothing against Danniella, she created an icon as the character.
“But as often happens in soaps, the bosses wanted to recast and take Sam in a different direction. Kim is due to begin filming in two weeks and everyone is very excited.”
Kim, 48, told The Sun: "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.”
BBC head of continuing drama Kate Oates: “I have long wanted to bring Sam back into the family fold. Her return is guaranteed to be explosive.”
Danniella shared with fans on Instagram that she had not been recast in the role.
"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," she wrote.
The mum-of-two who previously said she was diagnosed with borderline personality disorder, bipolar disorder, and paranoia schizophrenia says that her life struggles have made her stronger.
In a heartfelt post on Instagram, she wrote: "Today I am grateful for my journey my life my mistakes and the fact I’ve made them and faced them publicly…. People criticize me ridicule me judge me and throw hate at me … and it’s all ok.
"“People are entitled to have an opinion and also freedom of speech. And I actually would like to thank people for throwing stones at me because without some of that hate I may well not be sat here today writing my third book.
“The glass is always half full never half empty people remember that no matter how hard life gets … and the fact I’ve made my mistakes and had to live my car crash addiction days so publicly is actually a blessing because it enables me to use my platform to let others that are suffering theirs in silence privately read my story and know they are not alone and that a new way of life is possible.”
"So my third book is currently under way and both myself and @socialinspiregroup look forward to sharing it with you all soon . Much love always Westie.”
