EastEnders icon Danniella Westbrook has issued a clear and compelling condition for her return to Albert Square: her legendary character, Sam Mitchell, must take charge of the Queen Vic. The 49-year-old actress, who first graced the soap in 1990 as the youngest, often feistiest, Mitchell sibling, sees running Walford’s most famous pub not merely as a role, but as a pivotal restoration of the show’s core dynamic. This demand underscores a deeper desire to reignite the powerful female energy that once defined the Vic under the formidable Peggy Mitchell, memorably portrayed by the late Barbara Windsor.

Westbrook articulated her position candidly: “I’d only go back if they gave Sam Mitchell the Queen Vic. 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. The show needs great matriarchs again, and they don’t have loads now, do they?” For Westbrook, the potential comeback is deeply rooted in a vision for the character and the show itself. It’s about more than just a brief appearance; it’s about cementing Sam Mitchell as a central, influential figure, capable of wielding the kind of authority and drama that only a true Vic landlady can.

Her vision for Sam’s reign over the Queen Vic would blend tradition with a distinct “cheeky edge.” Westbrook believes her Sam would operate much like Peggy, with a fierce protectiveness over her establishment and family, but she’d infuse it with her own unique, more audacious style. “If Sam were running the Vic, she’d be a lot like Peggy, I think. But she’d have poker nights and all sorts going on,” Danniella explained, hinting at a new era of unpredictable antics and perhaps even a touch of Walford’s darker underbelly seeping into the pub’s traditionally homely atmosphere.

Crucially, Westbrook emphasizes a distinct difference in her portrayal of Sam compared to actress Kim Medcalf, who has played the role on and off since 2002, with her most recent stint concluding in 2024. According to Westbrook, their interpretations diverge significantly. “The way I play Sam and the way she plays Sam, it’s like two completely different characters. Kim plays her more posh, middle-class, not as flirty. My Sam is brassy, cheeky, very East End,” she stated. This distinction is vital for Westbrook, as her desired return is intrinsically linked to bringing back the specific “brassiness” and raw East End grit that she believes truly embodies Sam Mitchell and the Mitchell legacy. Her Sam is the younger, more impulsive sister of Phil and Grant, prone to dramatic relationships, quick schemes, and an undeniable magnetism that has often led her into trouble but always kept her at the heart of Mitchell family sagas. From her tumultuous multiple marriages to Ricky Butcher, her ill-fated romance with Andy Hunter, to her eventual motherhood with son Richard, Sam’s journey has always been marked by a struggle for identity and respect within her formidable family.

The Queen Vic itself is far more than just a pub in EastEnders; it is the enduring heartbeat of Albert Square, a symbol of community, conflict, and countless pivotal storylines. For generations, its iconic sign has presided over the dramatic comings and goings of Walford residents. Peggy Mitchell’s reign as landlady was legendary, defined by her no-nonsense attitude, fierce loyalty, and the iconic “Get outta my pub!” catchphrase. Her presence behind the bar ensured that the Vic was not just a drinking establishment, but a sanctuary, a battleground, and a confessional. For a Mitchell to run the Vic signifies power, influence, and a deep connection to the very fabric of Walford life. It’s about maintaining the family’s stronghold on the Square, a heritage Sam, despite her sometimes wayward path, inherently understands and embodies.

The demand for a new matriarch in Walford resonates with many long-time viewers. With Peggy’s passing leaving an undeniable void, the show is arguably ripe for a strong, defining female presence at its centre. While Sharon Watts (Letitia Dean) currently holds the reins, and Denise Fox (Diane Parish) stands as another strong female character, neither possesses the unique, often chaotic, Mitchell lineage that Sam does. Westbrook believes her Sam, with her unique blend of vulnerability, cunning, and unyielding Mitchell spirit, could perfectly fill this role. Her fiery presence could spark new storylines, reignite old rivalries with the likes of Sharon – given their shared history with Phil and the Mitchell family’s tumultuous past – and bring back the kind of high-stakes, character-driven drama that has always been EastEnders’ forte. The prospect of “poker nights and all sorts” also suggests a willingness to evolve the pub’s role, merging its traditional function with Sam’s more modern, perhaps even slightly illicit, ventures, reflecting the changing face of Walford while retaining its core identity.

Danniella Westbrook’s history with EastEnders has been as dramatic and captivating as the soap itself. Despite multiple recastings of the character, producers notably brought her back in 2009, hoping to recapture the unique on-screen chemistry she shared with Patsy Palmer and Sid Owen, who had also returned as Bianca and Ricky. Her last appearance was in 2016, following a series of intermittent returns between 2009 and 2010. These comebacks, however, were often cut short by significant personal struggles, including well-documented battles with addiction. Westbrook has been remarkably candid about these challenges, openly admitting that the show’s producers were concerned for her health. She once revealed that during a potential return, bosses conveyed their reservations, stating, “We were dreading making the phone call. We’re not offering you it because you’ve been so ill the last few times you’ve come back. We want to look after your safety first.” Far from feeling bitter, Westbrook reflected on that decision with a surprising sense of relief: “Do you know what? You’ve just taken the decision out of my hands. I feel I can put that to bed. Maybe one day we can all sit down, have dinner, and remember the good times.” This resilience and honesty not only add depth to Westbrook’s personal narrative but also create a poignant connection to Sam Mitchell, a character who has equally navigated a life fraught with challenges, comebacks, and the persistent desire for a fresh start.

Ultimately, whether EastEnders producers will meet Danniella Westbrook’s specific condition remains to be seen. However, her unwavering dedication to the character and her clear vision for Sam Mitchell’s future, especially at the helm of the Queen Vic, presents an intriguing proposition for the show. If Sam Mitchell does indeed return under Westbrook’s command, taking her rightful place behind the iconic bar, it is certain that Walford – and the very soul of the Mitchell family – will never be quite the same again. Her return promises not just a familiar face, but a powerful revival of a classic character in a role that could redefine the Square’s future.