Has Sam Mitchell left EastEnders for good? Kim Medcalf future revealed

As well as focusing on being a mum, Sam has been busy running local bar Peggy's, and recently supported ex-love interest Zack Hudson (James Farrar) as he came to terms with his HIV diagnosis. But Sam has been misunderstood and dismissed by Phil and others, even when her intentions have been well-meaning - leaving her feeling lonely.

Thankfully, Honey Mitchell (Emma Barton) has stepped in to provide friendship and kindness, and it was her that Sam confided in when her ex-fiancé Don (Nick Nevern) called to offer her a job as manager of his bar in Spain.

While Ricky's father Jack Branning (Scott Maslen), Stacey Slater (Lacey Turner) and Ricky himself assumed that Sam was simply running away from her responsibilities once again, Honey pointed out to Sam that she could earn some much-needed cash for Ricky, as well as Lily Slater (Lillia Turner) and their unborn baby.

That was exactly what Sam planned to do, and Honey set about organising a farewell party to send Sam off - although it took Phil some persuading to bother to turn up. But Honey's brilliant takedown, asking if he was washing his hair, did the trick.

With Honey also urging Jack to see that Sam was trying to be a good mum, he joined the crowd to say goodbye; as did Zack, who gave her a hug as he thanked her for everything she had done for him. But it looked as though Ricky was too stubborn to show up.

But when Ricky's sister Amy (Ellie Dadd) confided how much she missed her late mum Roxy (Rita Simons), reminding him that at least he still had Sam, Ricky had a change of heart and rushed to say goodbye, with Sam telling him she would call every day as she told him how much she loved him.

But is this the last we'll see of Sam? Surely not - she has so much more to give!

Has Sam Mitchell left EastEnders for good?

While Sam's departure felt rather final, RadioTimes.com understands that she has not left Walford for good, and Kim Medcalf will indeed be returning to EastEnders. So, it's good news for fans of the character!

But how long can we expect her to be off-screen? Well, there's been no indication of a timeline as yet, but could we see Sam back in time for the birth of her grandchild? Given that she's chosen to jet off so she can earn funds for Ricky, Lily and baby Slater-Mitchell-Branning, it would be great to see Sam honour her word, and it would make sense for her to fly back to meet the baby.

In the meantime, might we be kept up to date with all her news, unlike the last time Ms Mitchell fled the country? You'll just have to keep watching, but we'll keep this page updated if and when further news comes in.

Read more:

• EastEnders to mark King Charles III's coronation with special episode
• EastEnders spoilers this week: Denise's secret comes out as Amy struggles

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