Sam Mitchell's back! What happens next as she returns to Walford, from robbery to cancer fears

An old face returns
Joel Harley

Sam Mitchell made her return to EastEnders tonight (Thursday, November 4), arriving on Albert Square to haunt old partner in crime Zoe Slater from afar. Sam’s comeback came as Zoe bonded with Lauren, agreeing to stay at her place after learning about Anthony’s restraining order.

But what brings Sam home to Walford?

This lends credence that she’s the one who’s been stalking Zoe, although next week’s spoilers suggest she might have more on her plate than digging up old grievances.

Here’s what happened in EastEnders tonight – and what happens next.

Patrick looks accusingly at Anthony
Patrick demanded answers from his son (Credit: BBC)

The family turned on Anthony

As the fallout settled on Anthony’s revelation that Howie’s a thieving blackmailer, the Fox/Truemans demanded answers. Tearing off her stolen ring, Kim ordered Howie out of the house while her family demanded answers from Anthony.

Patrick wanted to know long Anthony had been aware of Howie’s crimes, and why he chose to tell everyone at the engagement party. Kim, meanwhile, couldn’t keep quiet about what she also knew – and spilled the tea on Sophie’s restraining order.

As Denise and Kim headed out for a drink, Yolande ordered Anthony out of the house so she could care for devastated Patrick.

Zoe and Lauren talk in EastEnders spoilers

Zoe found a new friend in Lauren (Credit: BBC)

Zoe learned the truth about Anthony

Howie stormed over to see Lauren, who was sharing a cuppa with new bestie Zoe. He accused Lauren of telling Anthony, before telling Zoe all about the good doctor’s restraining order.

Later, In the café, Denzel confronted his dad, and demanded to know how he could have done what he did. Downbeat Howie returned to the Trueman household, where Yolande explained how badly he’d let Patrick down.

Elsewhere, Anthony caught up with Patrick where they discussed the days events. Anthony swore that Sophie had lied about the behaviour which had led to his restraining order – a claim which Patrick seemed to buy, for now at least.

Meanwhile, Howie returned to see Kim, and begged for a second chance. Realising that he hadn’t changed since they first met, all those years ago, she ended the relationship.

Is this the end for Howie and Kim?

Sam Mitchell on Albert Square in EastEnders
Sam’s back! (Credit: BBC)

Sam Mitchell returned to EastEnders

Leaving The Vic with Zoe, Lauren offered her a place to stay for the night. Zoe accepted, unaware that they were being watched from across the Square.

But by whom? None other than Sam Mitchell, who emerged from the shadows where she’d been lurking ominously.

Zoe sees Sam walking away
Zoe thinks Sam has been stalking her (Credit: BBC)

What happens next as Sam Mitchell returns to EastEnders

Sam wastes little time in stirring up trouble in EastEnders spoilers for next week – sneaking into brother Phil’s place to steal his cash. She finds Nigel there, but he lets her take the money after mistaking her for Clare.

As she leaves, she’s spotted by Zoe – who accuses her of being her tormentor. Meanwhile, Phil is on the warpath, assuming from Nigel’s description that it was Nicola who stole his cash.

However, she soon realises it was Sam when he spots her talking with Kat outside The Vic. Sam manages to give her brother the slip, arranging to meet with Ricky Jr. at McClunky’s.

Learning that Sam is back, Jack intercepts, and demands to know what she wants. Sam’s forced to divulge a shocking secret about her health. Jack is blindsided, and not happy when he discovers that she’s not seen a doctor yet.

Can Jack and the family convince Sam to get help?

What else happened in EastEnders tonight?

As Kim decided the future of her relationship with Howie, a guilt-ridden Harry struggled with recent events. Kojo and Gina convinced him to attend Okie's memorial service, but it only served to make matters worse.

And how will he react to news of Nicola's pregnancy?

Harry suffered with his guilt

Harry was distraught as Nicola flushed the last of his drugs down the sink. Soon after, George, Gina and Kojo arrived to see Harry, in an attempt to build bridges between the families.

As Nicola and George left the kids to it, Kojo spotted the invite to Okie's memorial service. Kojo convinced Harry and Gina that they should attend and, bumping into Dejia outside, they headed to reminisce over old times with her brother.

It was all a bit much for Harry though, who excused himself as Dejia mourned the wasted potential. Back home, Harry was shocked to overhear Nicola talking to Honey - and learned about the pregnancy she's hiding from George.

Will Harry tell George?

Phil's on board with Nigel's film

With the cast for Nigel's film almost finalised, there was still one role left to fill. The part of angry old man, which Nigel earmarked for Phil.

Lexi enlisted Billy's help in getting Phil on board.

Lily worried about Jean

Lily walked in to find Jean throwing all of Freddie's things out of the house. She was terrified for Jean's mental health, and begged her to see a doctor.

Touched by Lily's outpouring of emotion, Jean agreed to go. But will she hold up her end of the bargain?

Zack bonded with Barney as Nicola hid her pregnancy

With the family out of the house, Zack brought Barney over the gift of a pile of books. Barney began to warm to his (biological) dad, and sat down to educate him on the finer points of Hobbits and Mordor.

Meanwhile, at McClunky's with George, Nicola came over with a spot of morning sickness. George was worried, but she covered for the pregnancy - claiming to have eaten her chicken too fast.

She rushed out, leaving George none the wiser to the baby growing in her belly.

Read more: Who’s leaving, joining and returning to EastEnders? Complete list of cast exits, arrivals and returns.