EastEnders fans stunned by Sam Mitchell’s ‘young’ look as she returns

EastEnders aired the return of Sam Mitchell, played by actress Kim Medcalf, on the BBC on Monday night.

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EastEnders: Sam Mitchell goes back to see Phil in prison

EastEnders’ Sam Mitchell was back on BBC television on Monday night, with fans delighted to see her – and some disbelieving after noticing she “hadn’t aged a day”.

Kim Medcalf reprized the role for the first time in nearly 17 years, last appearing on the soap in 2005.

Since then, the character has twice been played by original actress Danniella Westbrook, but now Kim has returned to the role for new scenes.

On Monday night, she made a surprise appearance while visiting her brother Phil Mitchell in prison.

The character has been recalled by Phil, and her real reason for returning to Walford again will be revealed soon.

In Monday’s episode, Sam walks in and Phil is happy to see her – while little is known about her return.

Viewers were quick to cheer for her return to the screen, as others commented that the actress, surnamed Kim, looked just like 17 years old.

Sharing on Twitter, one fan said: “Kim Metcalf hasn’t aged a DAY. The best Sam Mitchell is back.”

Another concurred: “OMG Sam is back! She looks absolutely HUGE How did she get this old?”, a third added: “Sam hasn’t aged all these years. “

The comments continued to pop up, too, with a fourth tweet: “Sam Mitchell. She took her pills. #EastEnders Youthful Queen.”

Other viewers didn’t see the comeback reveal, with one tweeting: “They’ve come back to SAM MITCHELL?!!”

A second fan said: “Sam is back. I screamed,” as a third tweeted: “Sam Mitchell??? Love these episodes.”

This weekend, Sam soon realizes that Kat and Sharon are not pleased to see her, refusing to reveal what has brought her back to Walford six years after she last visited.

Jack Branning was anxious to see her again after a long time, and although she had assured him it would be a brief visit, he couldn’t help but be nervous.

The pair share a son named Ricky, whom Sam abandoned and left Walford with his father.

It seems that since then she has had no contact with her son or Jack, so her return worries him.

Her grandson Ben is furious when he finds out what Sam is up to, and he’s not the only one

Sharon fears the worst and asks for help from Kat, while Sam herself is doubting whether she will ever really complete the mission.

Sam reveals everything to her cousin Billy about what’s going on and why she’s there, but then she tells him she’s leaving that night.

Ricky, meanwhile, is stunned to be told that his mother has returned to Walford and hasn’t seen her for too long.

He quickly runs into her at Walford East and the mother and daughter have an awkward encounter.

Even so, Sam sees an opportunity and confronts Jack, but what has she gained?

Any theories or thoughts on the plot? Let us know in the comments section below

EastEnders airs Monday through Thursday at 7:30pm on BBC One.