‘EastEnders’ tonight: What’s Sam Mitchell’s next move after her big return?

There’s plenty of drama ahead in tonight's EastEnders, as Kim Medcalf's much-anticipated return as Sam Mitchell causes more conflict.

Sam was summoned by brother Phil (Steve McFadden) who is currently behind bars. And in the next instalment of the BBC soap, which airs tonight at 7:30, she faces some big decisions.

Medcalf's return to Albert Square caused some controversy when it was announced earlier this year, with former Sam Mitchell actor Danniella Westbrook threatening legal action over the move.

Westbrook made her name playing Sam as a teenager from 1990-1996 before her contract was cancelled by the BBC. Medcalf played the role between 2002 and 2005, but Westbrook reprised the role in 2009 and 2016.

Upon her new arrival in Walford, Sam had an interaction with son Ricky (Frankie Day), who she failed to recognise. She also had a run-in with Kat Slater (Jessie Wallace) and Sharon Watts (Letitia Dean).

The pair made it clear they haven’t forgiven Sam for her part in the murder of Sharon’s dad Den (Leslie Grantham). Kat’s daughter Zoe (Michelle Ryan) was once in the frame for the crime when the culprit was actually Den’s wife Chrissie (Tracy-Ann Oberman), and witness Sam took her time in speaking up.

But back to the present now, as Sam approached nephew Ben (Max Bowden), explaining that Phil had called her to take care of him after his recent troubles. But Ben worked out that there was much more to it than that.

Read more: Next week on EastEnders

Sam also dropped by the Queen Vic, where her ex Jack Branning (Scott Maslen) was stunned to see her. And when it dawned on her that the boy whose football she had punctured was in fact her son, Sam was visibly affected as she walked away.

But it wasn’t long before she bounced back, ending up in another showdown with Sharon. The two women traded insults in a scene dripping with glorious one-liners, until Sharon soaked Sam with her drink.

Read more: EastEnders: Sam Mitchell's return plot revealed

Announcing she was in charge of the latest Mitchell business deal, Sam revealed she was going nowhere and that Sharon had better get used to it.

Sharon then dished out a menacing threat, warning Sam not to cross with her. Will they clash again? Almost certainly, we think!

As EastEnders continues tonight, Sam begins to worry that she isn’t capable of rising to the challenges set by Phil, and Ben isn’t impressed when he hears of her intentions. Later, Sam tells cousin Billy (Perry Fenwick) she's leaving again.

Read more: Sam Mitchell's biggest EastEnders storylines

She also faces an awkward meeting with Ricky, and his stepmum Denise Fox (Diane Parish) asks Sam to keep away. Something during this interaction inspires Sam, and she spots an opportunity with Jack.

What exactly does Sam have up her sleeve? Will she jet off again, or decide to stay after all? And how does she truly feel about her son? Will she want to reconnect with him now that she’s back?

Tune in to EastEnders tonight at 7:30pm to find out.

Watch the latest EastEnders spoilers here