Danniella Westbrook has said that she hopes to be back on EastEnders as Sam Mitchell as a full-time character again after a six-year absence.

The actress opened up about her upcoming one-off return to the soap for Peggy Mitchell's funeral, and expressed her excitement at being reunited with the Mitchells.

"I'm super excited because I didn't think they'd ever want the Mitchells back together, for whatever the circumstances, for Peggy's funeral," Westbrook told Loose Women.​ "I can't wait."

"I'm glad we're all back together, and it's a great honour to be asked to go back to send Barbara [Windsor's] character off."

She said that she hopes new boss Sean O'Connor would consider her for a full-time role, following the departure of Dominic Treadwell-Collins.

"It's a one-off at the moment, because our boss Dominic is leaving and we've got a new boss stepping in.

"Hopefully the new boss will take me on the mantle as a full-time character. I'd like to go back."

Asked whether she felt like the appearance was like an audition, Westbrook replied: "Not at all. I'm very proud to be asked back to do this for Barbara.

"For me, that means the world to me. And to be there with the boys as well, and I just hope it's going to make fantastic television.

"There's been so much on Twitter and people are excited that we're all going to be back together."

It was revealed last month that Westbrook would be returning for Peggy's emotional send-off for a few episodes, reuniting with on-screen siblings Phil (Steve McFadden) and Grant​ (Ross Kemp).

Barbara Windsor returned in January to the soap in a plot line which will see her character Peggy killed off​.


Digital Spy