Sam Mitchell played by Kim Medcalf since 2002, will make an Albert Square comeback next month, amid the discovery of a lump in her breast.
The character, who is the daughter of Peggy and sister to Phil and Grant Mitchell, first arrived in 1990 and was previously played by Danniella Westbrook
Sam was last seen on the BBC soap in January last year, and on her return in December her “erratic behaviour” is noticed by her family who encourage her to go to the doctor to get the breast lump checked.
This December, Sam Mitchell will be diagnosed with breast cancer after she returns to Walford with concerns following the discovery of a lump in her breast. Head to the #EastEnders Facebook page to read the full story ➡️ https://t.co/o7ksNW4oxm @BBC @BBCOne @BBCiPlayer pic.twitter.com/nxk6WSXzr2
— BBC EastEnders (@bbceastenders) November 28, 2025
Results confirm she has breast cancer, EastEnders has shared, but added that due to an early diagnosis having had it checked quickly, she makes a “full recovery” after the lump is removed via a lumpectomy, with scenes set to air in the new year.
The BBC soap added that the storyline follows the character and those around her from when she considers seeking medical advice, to diagnosis and treatment, highlighting the “importance of speaking to medical professionals when changes occur in your breast”.
For this storyline, EastEnders is working with research and support charity Breast Cancer Now to ensure it is sensitively and accurately handled.
Ben Wadey, EastEnders executive producer, commented: “It was imperative that we worked with Breast Cancer Now to ensure that Sam’s important breast cancer storyline was portrayed sensitively and accurately.
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“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.”
Meanwhile, Sally Kum, associate director of nursing and health information at Breast Cancer Now, added: “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.”
‘Frustrated’ EastEnders fans slam BBC soap for ‘spoiling’ Sam Mitchell storyline
However, some soap fans have said EastEnders have “spoiled” the storyline by announcing it before Sam’s return airs on BBC One.
Someone on X wrote: “why did you spoil a storyline that will be drawn out anyway? Surely you’d want us to be shocked and have this as a talking point, with the BBC narrator giving us helplines if we were affected during the episodes that aire explicitly for the cancer stuff?? OR is this the new era of EastEnders the soap just tells you sh*t a month in advance without any care in the world for suspense, drama, or emotion?”
Another posted: “Giving full breakdowns of future stories is an odd way of bringing in the viewers.”
A third suggested: “Should’ve told us this when she comes back.”
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This viewer chimed in: “Well we literally know the storyline from beginning to end. No need to watch now.”
One person commented: “It’s frustrating we know every part of this story from beginning to end. They didn’t need to tell every single part of the storyline.”
EastEnders airs Monday to Friday on BBC One and iPlayer.
