Danniella Westbrook returned to EastEnders to resume the role of Sam Mitchell and viewers of the BBC soap welcomed her back with open arms.

The London-born star has played the strong-willed Mitchell, on and off, since 1990. She first left the show in 1993, but has made several returns.

In her latest trip to Albert Square on Thursday, Sam revealed that her brother Grant (Ross Kemp) would not be attending the funeral of their mother Peggy Mitchell (formerly played by Dame Barbara Windsor).

EastEnders' Samantha Womack, Danniella Westbrook and Letitia Dean (Jack Barnes/BBC)
EastEnders’ Samantha Womack, Danniella Westbrook and Letitia Dean (Jack Barnes/BBC)

She also teased Sharon Mitchell (Letitia Dean) about kissing Grant and ensured her presence unsettled old flame Jack Branning (Scott Maslen).

Danniella’s reappearance in EastEnders coincided with a moving episode of Channel 5 series In Therapy in which she opened up about her turbulent life.

For the past 20 years, the actress has lived her life in the media spotlight, with a much publicised struggle with drugs being just one of the battles she has been forced to face.

Danniella Westbrook appeared in Channel 5's In Therapy (Channel 5)
Danniella Westbrook appeared in Channel 5′s In Therapy (Channel 5)

Following on from In Therapy on Tuesday night, viewers of EastEnders took to Twitter to express their feelings about an old favourite returning.

We love you, Danniella