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Kirsten McStay & Sam Elliott-Gibbs

Danniella Westbrook blasts BBC as she's replaced as Sam Mitchell on EastEnders

Danniella Westbrook has blasted the BBC after she was snubbed to reprise the role of Sam Mitchell on EastEnders.

Instead, Kim Medcalf will return as the character rather than Danniella, who originally played the the little sister of Phil and Grant Mitchell.

The 48-year-old has now threatened to take legal action against the corporation in an angry tweet after the announcement was made.

The unhappy actress penned: "Wishing Kym the best of luck at @BBCEastenders__ yet again this poor woman has to recreate a Samantha Mitchell as close to my last two recent come backs on the square go smash it darling..x oh but not to @bbceastenders my legal team will be in touch."

In a second tweet, she added: "Bet you all can’t wait for my new book now can ya ….. oh it’s gonna go way back to the things I’ve never ever told #beafraidpeople #itsallgood."

Her latest comments contradict what she said earlier this month about being replaced on the soap.

Danniella Westbrook first appeared on the show in 1990 (BBC/Kieron McCarron)

Commenting on the news over on her Instagram, Danniella wrote: " 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. #outwiththeoldinwiththenew."

Kim previously played Sam between 2002 and 2005.

Before that, she was portrayed by Danniella, who returned to Albert Square again in 2009 and for a second time in 2016.

It has been reported that EastEnders bosses first approached Kim in early 2021 to discuss the possibility of her coming back.

On Saturday night, Kim's return was confirmed.

"I have long wanted to bring Sam back into the family fold," said the BBC's head of continuing drama Kate Oates.

"Her return is guaranteed to be explosive."

Kim Medcalf will be back on the Square for a second time (BBC)

She is due to start filming in a couple of weeks' time, with fans thrilled troubled Sam is back in Walford.

"When the BBC approached me last year to reprise the role of Sam I was thrilled," Kym said.

"She's a brilliant character and I can't wait to get back in the Square and work with the amazing cast."

Danniella seems to have no beef with her soap rival.

Last year she praised Kim's portrayal of Sam and confirmed they met up at an awards back ten years ago.

Danniella hit out at the BBC on twitter on Sunday morning (Twitter)

She said: "I had never seen Kim before, so I went up to her on the red carpet and I said: 'Kim, I just wanted to say well done on the part. I know you took a lot of backlash and everything for stepping in, but you did a fantastic job. You're a very talented actress and thank you for keeping Sam alive, keeping her going'.

"She was a little bit taken aback and said: 'Thank you so much'."

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