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Danniella Westbrook is 'happy to be alive' and looking forward to being a grandma

Danniella Westbrook said she is grateful to have continued to survive in the wake of her decades-long drug addiction. (Getty)
Danniella Westbrook said she is grateful to have continued to survive in the wake of her decades-long drug addiction. (Getty)

Danniella Westbrook has explained that she is "happy to be alive" and in a very good place in her ongoing battle with drug addiction.

The former EastEnders star first took cocaine as a teenager and has battled drug issues while in the public eye for more than 30 years.

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In an appearance on Wednesday's episode of This Morning, the 48-year-old actor said she is excited to become a grandmother and continue to be a part of her children's lives.

"I'm happy to be alive after everything I put myself through," said Westbrook as she chatted to hosts Dermot O'Leary and Alison Hammond.

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She added: "I'm looking forward to being a nanny, I'm just so happy with this chapter that I'm in. And I think I just needed to get there myself, but it was just learning to like me a little bit."

Westbrook said she has found a "fantastic therapist" who is helping her to work through her broader mental health, as well as the specifics around her addiction.

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"I'm working through lots of stuff still, but putting the drugs down was hard, but keeping the ego down too," the star said.

Westbrook added: "I go to loads of meeting, I have a sponsor and the 12 step process. I check in every day."

Danniella Westbrook has played Sam Mitchell in EastEnders on and off since 1990. (PA/Getty)
Danniella Westbrook has played Sam Mitchell in EastEnders on and off since 1990. (PA/Getty)

Westbrook first joined the cast of EastEnders in 1990, playing the role of Sam Mitchell, and had an on-off relationship with the show as a result of her personal issues.

At the worst of her cocaine addiction, she completely eroded her nasal septum.

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EastEnders chose to reintroduce Sam Mitchell last year, with Kim Medcalf — who previously played the character between 2002 and 2005 — taking on the role.

Westbrook threatened legal action against the show for the recasting, but wished Medcalf luck ahead of her return to Albert Square.

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