EastEnders first look at Kim Medcalf as she returns to filming as Sam Mitchell after replacing Danniella Westbrook

KIM Medcalf has been pictured for the first time back at the EastEnders set after her bombshell return was revealed.

The actress will again take on the role of Sam Mitchell for the first time in 17 years.

She was pictured outside the London set having finished a day of filming.

Sam — daughter of Queen Vic boss Peggy Mitchell — made her Walford debut in 1990, played by a 17-year-old Danniella Westbrook.

But as the actress fought drug addiction she was replaced by Kim in 2002.

Kim, 48, played Sam until 2005. Danniella, 48, reprised the role in 2009 and then again in 2016, when Sam joined her family for Peggy’s funeral.

EastEnders confirmed Kim has been re-cast as Sam to The Sun, who abandoned son Ricky when she quit Walford.

And sources said BBC soap bosses — who have been in talks with Kim since last autumn — are planning a series of explosive storylines.

One said: “Sam’s return has been on the cards for some time.

"They felt she was a natural fit for this version of Sam. It’s nothing against Danniella, she created an icon as the character.

“But as often happens in soaps, the bosses wanted to recast and take Sam in a different direction.

"Kim is due to begin filming in two weeks and everyone is very excited.”

Kim said: “When the BBC approached me last year to reprise the role of Sam I was thrilled.

“She’s a brilliant character and I can’t wait to get back in the Square and work with the amazing cast.”

BBC head of continuing drama Kate Oates: “I have long wanted to bring Sam back into the family fold.

"Her return is guaranteed to be explosive.”