Is Sam Mitchell leaving EastEnders?

Sam returned to EastEnders in November (Picture: BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron)

It seems like only yesterday Sam Mitchell (Kim Medcalf) was being thrown out of the back of a van as she made a dramatic return to EastEnders, but her most recent two month stint has been packed with drama for the Mitchell matriarch.

Her return in November saw her facing trouble with drug dealers after getting tangled up in dodgy dealings during her time in Spain.

Thankfully, big brother Phil Mitchell (Steve McFadden) was there to bail her out – albeit reluctantly – and Sam was able to meet granddaughter Charli for the first time, finally stepping into her role of ‘hot, young grandma’.

Things only got more dramatic for Sam following the death of Aunt Sal, and her discovery that Phil was holding back her share of the inheritance.

When Sam then discovered Phil’s one night stand with Emma Harding (Patsy Kensit), she wasted no time in blackmailing him for his money.

After some hardballing on both sides, Phil reluctantly agreed to give her the money, provided she leave Albert Square immediately.

Is Sam Mitchell leaving EastEnders?

After taking Phil’s money, Sam left Albert Square in Thursday’s (January 18) episode – but not before causing heaps more chaos.

Despite her promise to keep quiet once being paid off, Sam got up in front the crowded Queen Vic and told them everything, leaving Kat Slater (Jessie Wallace) devastated.

Sam waved Albert Square goodbye (Picture: BBC)

She then paid a visit to son Ricky Mitchell (Frankie Day) who was surprisingly understanding of his mother’s choice to leave – until he learnt that she had lied. Again.

Sam had told Ricky that she planned to stand up to Phil, which Ricky was in full support of, but he soon learnt that she had actually been blackmailing him.

Despite this, Ricky assured Sam that he’d see her again soon, and Sam headed for the tube station, having been ordered out of Albert Square by Phil and the rest of the Mitchells.

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On the way, she stopped at Peggy’s to grab a handful of Phil’s cash, before saying goodbye to friend Zack Hudson (James Farrar) and encouraging him to give out free drinks for the rest of the night.

When he asked where she was going, she revealed that she wasn’t sure, but that she liked the sound of Canada.

Outside the tube station, Sam took one final look at Albert Square before heading to the platform, leaving her family and Walford behind.

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Sam returned to the show in November 2023.