EastEnders fans unanimous in plea for ‘breath of fresh air’ legend to return

It’s not often you find a topic upon which everyone can agree but EastEnders fans are leading by example, with Metro Soaps readers in agreement that Sam Mitchell (Kim Medcalf) should be brought back.

Sam staged an unexpected comeback last year for what was decreed a ‘short stint’ by bosses but, upon expanding her screentime and storylines, it would arguably become her greatest to date.

The character, who was considered self-centred in the past and rarely put other people’s feelings above her own, underwent a great deal of character development this time around, building fresh dynamics, mending broken relationships and becoming a source of support for various Square residents.

In addition to a powerful cancer story, the former nightclub owner would also unite with her legendary leather-jacket-wearing siblings for the first time in years, taking on the matriarchal Mitchell role with ease – something once thought an impossibility – bashing Phil (Steve McFadden) and Grant’s (Ross Kemp) heads together much like their mum Peggy (Barbara Windsor) did decades before her.

Her heart-to-hearts with Julie Bates (Karen Henthorn) and Denise Fox (Diane Parish) provided some of the most standout moments the show has produced as of late and who could forget her series of comedy quips, played to perfection by star Kim Medcalf, which often provided the comic relief amid darker storylines.

Sam left the Square with Grant earlier this week, much to the sadness of EastEnders fans, who wasted little time in voicing their desire to see her back when Metro asked our readers if they’d be keen for another returned.

The response was overwhelmingly unanimous. In fact, the amount of people who responded with a simple ‘Yes’ was quite something.

In detailing why Sam should return, Angela wrote: ‘She has different sides to her character, she does try to be a good mum but also knows Ricky is fine as he is, they love each other but he has learnt not to rely on her!

‘But she still could be there for him more if she was permanently around. She is starting to build friendships and be there for people, and Kim is amazing so can do light hearted, or more serious stuff.’

It was sentiment which Kyle was in agreement with. ”It’s been great having her around!,’ they said. ‘I’d like her to stay! The Mitchell are a very small family now a days. She needs to be the next Peggy and get her running the vic. That would make Peggy proud!’

Paul noted the character growth during Sam’s latest stay in Walford, citing it as a reason to keep her round. ”I like the way they have developed her character she is turning into almost a new matriarch of the family she will never replace Peggy but she can be given some excellent storylines please make this happen’.

Tracey added that they were ‘loving her character’ while Annette heaped praise on star Kim, branding her ‘superb’.

Another fan wrote that Sam has been a ‘breath of fresh air’ while Adam noted that Sam was a ‘phenomenal character’. Erin revealed that they’d ‘finally warmed’ to her this time around, stating that Sam returned a ‘better character’.

Hear hear. The ball is in your court EastEnders! The fans have spoken.