EastEnders' Kim Medcalf's life as she returns to BBC soap - LA move to soap return

dailystar.co.uk:

EastEnders fans are eagerly awaiting the return of Sam Mitchell to the BBC soap. Phil's younger sister arrives back in Walford - after six years away - this Tuesday 19th April, and looks set to cause plenty of drama.

Jack Branning (Scott Maslen) is worried, as Sam has had nothing to do with their son Ricky since leaving for Portugal back in 2016.

So what exactly is she up to now?Sam was originally played by Danniella Westbrook between 1990 and 2000, and for guest stints in 2009, 2010 and 2016.However, Sam is now played once again by fan favourite Kim Medcalf, who portrayed the feisty Mitchell between 2002 and 2005.As Kim returns to Albert Square as Sam, Daily Star has taken a look into her life away from the spotlight.She keeps her personal life entirely private.The actress was pictured with husband Simon in 2013 at a Playhouse Theatre production in London, but has shared no further information about her relationship status or family life in recent years.Kim, 48, studied law at Bristol University, before becoming an account manager selling soap powder for a pharmaceutical company.However, the TV star was bitten by the acting bug and took a speech and drama course, landing her first acting job in August 2001, appearing in the musical One Touch of Venus.She was pictured with husband Simon in 2013 at a Playhouse Theatre production in London, but keeps her personal life very private.Kim took over Danniella as Walford blonde bombshell Sam Mitchell in EastEnders in 2002 and played the role for three yearsSince leaving EastEnders in 2005, Kim focused on her stage career, appearing in stage versions of Margaret Atwood's novel The Penelopiad and South Pacific.