Danniella Westbrook plans to sue BBC over EastEnders character replacement

Danniella Westbrook plans to sue the BBC after the character she played in the BBC soap is being reprised without her.

The actress, 48, was originally cast to play Sam Mitchell at the heart of the Walford based drama as the daughter of Albert Square matriarch Peggy Mittchell, back in the 1990s.

But after exiting the show - during Danniella's high profile drug addiction - the role was recast and actress Kim Medcalf took on the character before Daniella returned for a string of episodes in 2009 and was last seen on screen in 2016.

But the anticipated character's 'explosive' return will see Kim cast back in the drama - which has ruffled feathers with Daniella show shared a scathing remarks against the apparent snub.

Danniella Westbrook has kicked out at recasting of the role she originally played on EastEnders (UK Press via Getty Images)

Danniella famously played Sam Mitchell on EastEnders across 36 years from 1990 to 2016 (BBC)

Taking to Twitter she claimed the BBC soap would be hearing from her 'legal team' and also hinted at future revelations that she has 'never told' in her upcoming book.

Danniella's tweet reads: 'Well well well who knew [laughing emojis] all I can say is thanks looks like I dodged a bullet.'

Daniella then added: 'Oh but not to @BBCEastEnders my legal team will be in touch to know why when I held the...'@bbceastenders contract too the last two times the character bounced in &out on a ratings or stint. For the record I was never sacked or dismissed and saw out both contracts one of them even being extended for episodes."

Danniella was the original actress to play the character Sam Mitchell (BBC)

And the claims didn't end there as she launched into a tirade against the 'top of the show' as the bitter rant continued.

"It’s great 2 C the same level of care standards & loyalty 2'@bbceastenders you bang on about having and giving to both new & old members of cast is still going as strong then as it always has… not just me as Sam that needs replacing I’d look closer to the top of the show and cut that dead wood after all it’s all about evolving."

She signed off the post: "Bet you all can't wait for my new book now can ya ….. oh it's gonna go way back to the things I've never ever told #beafraidpeople #itsallgood'.

Meanwhile Kim has graciously acknowledged her return to the show and is thrilled at her comeback to play the iconic character.

Speaking to The Sun, 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.'

Kate Oates, BBC head of continuing drama, added: “The Mitchells are one of the most iconic families in soap, and I have long wanted to bring Sam back into the family fold.

Danniella has turned her life around since her drug addiction and has written her third book which she hints will spill the inside story on life on the soap (INSTAGRAM)

“With Phil potentially facing a long spell inside, Sam arrives back in Walford ready to take what she sees as her rightful place in the Mitchell empire.

“But with strong grudges against Kat, Sharon, Jack and Denise, to name but a few, her return is guaranteed to be explosive…”