Danniella Westbrook, the actress who originally breathed life into EastEnders’ iconic character Sam Mitchell, has always been known for her candidness. In a recent interview, Westbrook didn’t hold back when discussing her enduring connection to the role and her views on Kim Medcalf, the actress who later took on the mantle of the fiery Mitchell sister. Her remarks have reignited a long-standing debate among fans about which actress truly embodies the spirit of Sam.

When directly questioned about who she believed portrayed Sam Mitchell most effectively, Westbrook’s response was unequivocal and delivered with a chuckle: “I didn’t really watch the other girl play Sam Mitchell. So, I’d have to say I’m the best.” This self-assured declaration is typical of Westbrook’s forthright personality and is precisely the kind of statement that fuels passionate discussions within the EastEnders fan base, a community notoriously invested in the portrayal of their beloved characters. The debate over Sam Mitchell is not merely about an actress’s performance; it delves into the very essence of a character central to one of British soap opera’s most powerful families.

Sam Mitchell burst onto the Walford scene in 1987 as the youngest sibling of the formidable Grant and Phil Mitchell, alongside her indomitable mother, Peggy. Initially portrayed by Danniella Westbrook from 1990 to 2000, and then for subsequent stints, Sam quickly established herself as a quintessential Mitchell: rebellious, flirtatious, and fiercely loyal to her family, yet often prone to making impulsive, self-destructive choices. Westbrook’s Sam was the embodiment of East End grit, a character defined by her sharp wit, provocative charm, and an underlying vulnerability that often led her astray. Her early storylines were emblematic of the chaotic Mitchell household, involving dramatic affairs, volatile relationships with figures like Ricky Butcher and Ian Beale, and a constant struggle for independence within the shadow of her powerful brothers. Westbrook’s raw, unpolished performance cemented Sam’s place in the EastEnders hall of fame, making her departure and subsequent recasts all the more noticeable.

The role of Sam Mitchell has, over the years, become a fascinating case study in the challenges of recasting iconic characters in long-running serial dramas. Kim Medcalf first stepped into Sam’s shoes in 2002, taking over from Westbrook until 2005, before returning to the role in 2022. Recasting is a common practice in soap operas, often necessitated by an actor’s departure, health issues, or other professional commitments. However, it invariably presents a unique challenge: how to maintain character continuity while allowing a new actor to bring their own interpretation. Fans, having grown attached to a particular portrayal, often find it difficult to accept a new face, leading to inevitable comparisons and sometimes, strong preferences.

Westbrook herself acknowledges these differences, asserting that her portrayal and Medcalf’s are almost “two completely different characters.” She elaborated, “The way I play Sam and the way she plays Sam, it’s like two completely different characters.” This extends beyond mere acting styles to the very fabric of the scripts, according to Westbrook. “Even the writing changes. What they write for her and what they write for me are like two different personalities,” she explained. Her observation highlights a crucial point: character evolution is often a collaborative effort between actor and writer. Westbrook perceives Medcalf’s Sam as “a lot posher, not as East End, not as flirty; she’s more middle-class in her version.” This distinction speaks volumes about the evolution of the character and perhaps even the show’s direction, contrasting the raw, working-class roots of the Mitchells with a more polished iteration. Medcalf’s recent tenure has seen Sam return with a more business-savvy edge, initially running the club and engaging in more sophisticated schemes, aligning with Westbrook’s perception of a “posher” portrayal.

Despite her pointed remarks regarding Medcalf’s interpretation, Westbrook hasn’t entirely closed the door on a potential return to EastEnders. However, her conditions are clear and ambitious: a major role for Sam Mitchell in the Queen Victoria public house. “I’d only go back if they gave Sam Mitchell the Queen Vic,” Westbrook stated emphatically. “If they put Sam behind the bar and made her the next Peggy, I’d go back. But if they didn’t, I’m not interested.”

This demand is laden with historical significance for EastEnders. The Queen Vic is not just a pub; it is the beating heart of Walford, a microcosm of the community where secrets are spilled, alliances are formed, and dramatic confrontations unfold. For decades, it was famously presided over by the iconic Peggy Mitchell, Sam’s mother, played by the late Barbara Windsor. Peggy’s reign behind the bar defined a golden era of the show, establishing her as the ultimate matriarch – a formidable, big-hearted woman who ruled her family and her pub with an iron fist and an unwavering moral compass, even if occasionally flawed. Her cry of “Get outta my pub!” became legendary.

Westbrook’s aspiration for Sam to become “the next Peggy” underscores a perceived need within EastEnders for strong, central female figures. Matriarchs have always been the bedrock of soap operas, grounding the sprawling narratives and providing a focal point for family drama. Peggy Mitchell was the quintessential example, and since her departure, the show has arguably sought a successor to fill that powerful void. For Westbrook, Sam could seamlessly step into this role, bringing her unique brand of Mitchell sass and street smarts to the Vic. Imagining her version of Sam at the helm, Westbrook envisions a pub buzzing with activity beyond mere pints: “If Sam was running the Vic, she’d be a lot like Peggy, I think. But I think she’d have poker nights and all sorts going on.” This vision hints at new avenues for storylines, potentially revitalizing the Vic as a hub for both legitimate business and illicit dealings, a classic Mitchell blend. It suggests a more dynamic and perhaps even morally ambiguous landlord than Walford has seen in recent years, one who could bring a renewed edge to the show’s central location.

The ongoing discussion surrounding Danniella Westbrook and Kim Medcalf’s portrayals of Sam Mitchell highlights the unique bond between actors, characters, and their audiences in the world of long-running soap operas. Fans develop deep attachments, often feeling a sense of ownership over these fictional lives. While Medcalf’s Sam has presented a more nuanced, perhaps even reformed character, adapting to the modern EastEnders landscape, Westbrook’s fiery, unapologetically ‘East End’ version remains etched in the collective memory of viewers. Both actresses have undoubtedly contributed significantly to the evolution and enduring appeal of Sam Mitchell.

As EastEnders continues its decades-long run, adapting to changing times and audience expectations, the character of Sam Mitchell endures. Whether through the bold, raw energy of Danniella Westbrook or the more polished, strategic portrayal by Kim Medcalf, Sam’s legacy as a pivotal member of the Mitchell dynasty and a memorable force in Walford’s tumultuous history is secure. The question of who plays her “best” may remain a matter of spirited debate among fans, but what is undeniable is Sam Mitchell’s lasting impact on one of Britain’s most beloved television institutions. Her potential return to the forefront, particularly in the iconic Queen Vic, as envisioned by Westbrook, would undoubtedly mark a new, exciting chapter for a character who has consistently captivated audiences with her turbulent journey through Albert Square.