The BBC have just announced that Daniella Westbrook is to return to Walford, reprising her role as Sam Mitchell 20 years after she first walked the Square and, perhaps more controversially, stepping into the shoes of Kim Medcalf who most recently appeared in the same role only four years ago. Normally news like this would kick up a storm of comments here on TV Scoop, but with our comment facility still out of action, click through to read my take on this news, and leave your vote in one of our famous polls.

When Sam Mitchell last appeared on our screen, it was in a cloud of dust, as she bolted off to Brazil to avoid a police interview on the subject of Dirty Den’s murder. But long before that Daniella’s profile was even more in evidence in the tabloids as she battled her cocaine addiction in the full glare of the UK’s publicity machine.

So why bring Sam back now and, if her sojourn in the nation’s favourite haunt for escaped criminals has given her character some extra mileage for the scriptwriters, why not wait until Sam Medcalf is willing to take up the reins again rather than chopping and changing the face of the original Mitchell Sister?

Naturally, Danniella is quoted as being “really happy” to be working on the show again. Hardly a surprising reaction after her years in the wilderness. Her arrival is likely to put a rather large and ferocious cat in the middle of an equally combative flock of pigeons too, what with Ronnie and Roxy now firmly ensconced at the Vic, and Ricky trying to get back together with Bianca. No doubt the reappearance of his glamorous ex-wife will confuse the already challenged Butcher Brain beyond endurance. A bit like a maggot crawling between two very bright lights.

Are you looking forward to Sam’s return, are you fuming or are you totally indifferent? Let us know!