It’s coming up to Christmas in Walford, and it’s not Santa or a fat bloke in a suit that is coming, but Sam Mitchell back for a ‘short stint’ this festive season.
Sam Mitchell returns to Walford and chaos ensues. She crosses directly to no 55 to loot Phil’s safe of the money, while Nigel, believing her to be Clare, permits her to do so. Later on Zoe tracks Sam down in the Square and starts to accuse her of being the one who was teasing her, but Sam denies everything.
Upon discovering the cash missing, Phil reacts to Nigel’s account by heading to confront Nicola at Harry’s Barn. But seeing Sam in a standoff with Kat, it confirms the real culprit. Sam escapes once more, meeting with Ricky at McKlunky’s until Jack discovers them.
She is trying to run away from Walford but Jack stops her and Sam makes a shock confession that she has found a lump and is scared it is cancer.
Jack tell her to get checked, but Phil cuts in and says give me back my money. Denise later consults with Sam regarding her health concerns and negotiates an agreement. Sam has a family dinner with Ricky Jnr and Lily but then realises that Jack and Denise have been bluffing and sends her straight to Phil for a place to stay where plan b starts to take shape.
While Phil and Julie are occupied with filming Nigel’s movie in The Arches, Sam discreetly departs once more, neglecting her scheduled medical appointment. Jack and Denise sound the alarm, and the rest of the group hasten to confront her. By days end, Julie, Phil and Ricky Jnr are all seething with Sam’s antics…
EastEnders have confirmed that results confirm Sam does have breast cancer, but having received an early diagnosis due to getting checked quickly, Sam is able to make a full recovery when she removes the lump via a lumpectomy in scenes set to air in the New Year.
EastEnders is working with Breast Cancer Now, as well as experts in the field, to ensure the storyline is handled sensitively and accurately.
Ben Wadey, EastEnders Executive Producer says: ‘It was imperative that we worked with Breast Cancer Now to ensure that Sam’s important breast cancer storyline was portrayed sensitively and accurately.
Sam is initially hesitant to seek medical advice after she finds a lump in her breast but with the support of family and friends, Sam gets help quickly, and because her cancer is caught early, she’s able to successfully remove her breast lump via a lumpectomy in the New Year.’
Sally Kum, associate director of nursing and health information at Breast Cancer Now adds: Sam’s experience will resonate with thousands of EastEnders viewers. We’ve drawn on our insights and extensive expertise supporting people affected by breast cancer to help guide this storyline and ensure it’s portrayed authentically.
We know that the earlier breast cancer is diagnosed, the better the chances of successful treatment and, ultimately, of lives being saved. As such, EastEnders is delivering a vital health message by raising awareness of the importance of breast checking, knowing the signs and symptoms of breast cancer, and getting any new or unusual breast changes checked by a GP.’
EastEnders airs Monday – Thursday on BBC One with catchup via iPlayer, Classic EastEnders airs on Drama with catchup on U.