EastEnders spoilers follow for Thursday’s (February 19) episode which is now available to stream on BBC iPlayer.

It’s a day that EastEnders fans, myself included, have long dreaded as Sam Mitchell (Kim Medcalf) prepared to leave the Square once again after saying goodbye to her loved ones.

When the BBC soap confirmed her comeback in December, it was known that it would only be for a short stint, with the intention to highlight the very important topic of breast cancer via the character.

The former owner of Peggy’s (now Harry’s Barn) came back terrified that she was going to die after finding a lump but with the support of those around her she received her diagnosis and subsequently underwent surgery.

It all transpired very quickly – and peaked around the show’s busiest time of the year – but despite this we were somehow treated to what I would argue are a number of the character’s best moments to date.

The long-awaited reunion between Sam, Zoe Slater (Michelle Ryan) and Chrissie Watts (Tracy-Ann Oberman), a scene two decades in the making, didn’t disappoint and made for some great instances of exploring the past, how it’s impacted on all three women and showcased the importance of moving forward and letting go.

The heart-to-heart with Kat Slater (Jessie Wallace) and Denise Fox (Diane Parish), in which Sam heartbreakingly admitted that she thinks D is a better mum to son Ricky (Frankie Day), also springs to mind, as does her scenes shared with Phil (Steve McFadden), which strengthened the siblings’ bond after their latest falling out.

The fact that Sam, who is often dismissed as inherently selfish, would become a confidante for a number of characters – including Julie Bates (Karen Henthorn), Zack Hudson (James Farrar), George Knight (Colin Salmon) and even Kat and nemesis Chrissie – is some pretty solid character work if you ask me. Her diagnosis changed her outlook, which made her a great candidate to offer advice to others.

In addition to the writing, Sam’s growth can also be attributed to star Kim Medcalf, who – even when her alter-ego is doing something questionable – never fails to deliver an authentic performance that allows you to understand the motivations, even if you don’t agree with them.

That growth was put to the test when, having received the all-clear, Sam plotted her return to Portugal, but was left with food for thought after learning from Lily Slater (Lillia Turner) of son Ricky’s desire for her to stay.

To stay or to go?

It’s a conundrum she’s faced numerous times throughout her latest two stints on the Square and, despite always getting dangerously close to staying in her son’s life, she ultimately chooses to go.

But not this time. Highlighted superbly by Kim, Sam was properly conflicted over what to do but, after hugging Ricky, and feeling the love from her family, she said: ‘This doesn’t feel right. I want to stay’.

The crowed cheered. Literally.

What a genuinely lovely moment and, I don’t know about you but I can’t think of a better gift to mark EastEnders turning 41 today than the prospect of more Sam.

There is just something about her that feels inherently EastEnders. A seemingly surface-level character with layers upon layers of depth that always make for such delicious material when scratched.

When it comes to the Mitchells, Peggy, Phil and Grant are largely considered the titans of the clan (and rightfully so) but I would argue that Sam is also worthy of such status, as proven over the past two months when she elevated pretty much every scene she was in.

Despite her deciding to stick around, however, Metro can confirm that Sam will still be leaving at some stage.

Will she crossover with Ross Kemp, who is reprising his role as Grant in upcoming scene? We can certainly hope, given how long its been since the trio of siblings were together – not to mention the ever-changing dynamics in the household since Mark’s (Stephen Aaron-Sipple) comeback and Nigel’s (Paul Bradley) diagnosis. If this proves to be the case then the stage is set for some truly great Mitchell quality content.

Day made.