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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Entertainment
Victoria Johns

Danniella Westbrook looks unrecognisable in EastEnders throwback in cryptic post

Danniella Westbrook looks unrecognisable in an EastEnders throwback snap, which she shared in a cryptic post.

The actress, 48, played Sam Mitchell in the soap from 1990 and posted a pic of the blonde bombshell marrying hapless mechanic Ricky Butcher.

Looking beautifully fresh-faced, a young Danniella poses in her bridal gown next to actor Sid Owen.

Captioning the snap, she mused: "Here’s another little vintage gem for you all #ricky &sam #vintage #30years0fcontroversy."

Danniella has had her fair share of drama during her stint on the Square having been replaced by Kim Metcalfe following the mum-of-two's high profile cocaine addiction.

Fans have accepted Kim in the role, but many believe the Beeb should bring back the original Sam.

Responding to Danniella's post, one said: "They just don't make soaps like this anymore and certainly no other Sam but you!"

While another wrote: "Defo miss you has sam!! Can never beat An original Person playing the character......no disrespect kim off course but they should took you back! ps hope you're well x."

During her third spell on the soap, Danniella's contract was not renewed by the BBC after producers were said to have grown tired of her unreliability at the end of 1999.

The actress threatened EastEnders with legal action after her recasting (Mike Marsland/WireImage)

When the decision to bring Sam back two years later was made, the former girlfriend of East 17's Brian Harvey, was still struggling with drug addiction, so EastEnders bosses decided to recast the role with a new actress.

Explaining her casting, Kim said: "They kind of sat me down and said 'actually we haven't been 100% truthful here, this [audition] is not for...a new character at all, it's for the part of Sam Mitchell. Do you know who she is?' and I said, 'yes of course I do!"

After a hiatus, BBC bosses decided to bring back Sam again earlier this year, however Danniella claimed no one from the soap had contacted her.

Commenting on the news over on her Instagram, she wrote: "The @bbceastenders have not contacted me to say they are re casting or if they have. But that’s ok. Who plays Sam next I wish all the luck in the world to. Enjoy. #outwiththeoldinwiththenew."

However, she wasn't quite as conciliatory when it was confirmed that it was Kim who would be taking over the role of Peggy Mitchell's daughter for a second time.

Fuming, Daniella claimed the BBC soap would be hearing from her 'legal team' and warned she would dish the dirt that she's 'never ever told' in her upcoming book.

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