Sam Mitchell (Kim Medcalf) is back in EastEnders, and she’s hiding a secret.
The BBC One soap has already confirmed that Sam’s comeback will lead to a major storyline centred around her health.
Viewers will soon learn that Sam has secretly found a lump in her breast, a discovery that leaves her terrified and desperate to hide the truth. She returns to Walford determined not to tell a soul, but her panic and strange behaviour will quickly raise eyebrows among the people who know her best.
In future episodes, Phil Mitchell (Steve McFadden) heads to the hospital to support Sam at her appointment.
In the week, Sam shares her health worries with Zack Hudson (James Farrar). She reveals that she’s waiting for results from a biopsy, to hear whether she has breast cancer.
Eventually, Sam will receive a breast cancer diagnosis.
It’s caught at an early stage, and she will undergo treatment in the New Year. The soap is working closely with Breast Cancer Now to ensure the storyline is portrayed sensitively, accurately and with a clear message about the importance of checking for changes and getting symptoms investigated as soon as possible.
But although her health battle will become the heart of her return storyline, Sam being Sam means trouble is never far behind. Her fear about the lump and the pressure she’s under will spill into other parts of her life, sparking clashes, stirring up old tensions and pulling her into situations that only complicate things further.
‘Enders boss, Ben Wadey, said: ‘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.’
Can’t wait for the next twist?
Hi, I’m Calli Kitson, Soaps reporter at Metro. I cover Emmerdale, EastEnders, Corrie and more.
If you want to stay up to date on the latest spoilers, sign up to our daily Soaps Newsletter.
From the big moments to the gossip you can’t miss, it’s all in your inbox every morning. Sign up now.
Sally Kum, associate director of nursing and health information at Breast Cancer Now also spoke on the upcoming storyline:
‘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.’
