EastEnders has been slammed by furious fans after viewers spotted what appeared to be an edited throwback photo from the BBC soap — with former star Danniella Westbrook seemingly removed from the image entirely.
The controversy erupted after a nostalgic behind-the-scenes snap resurfaced online, showing fan-favourite character Nigel Bates appearing in a classic cast photo. But eagle-eyed viewers quickly noticed something shocking — Danniella, who originally appeared in the image as Sam Mitchell, appeared to have been digitally scrubbed out and replaced.
Fans immediately accused the soap of trying to “erase” the actress’ legacy from EastEnders history, branding the move “disgraceful” and “shameful.”
One furious fan wrote online: “This is just disgraceful. They’re trying to erase the legacy and impact Danniella Westbrook created as Sam Mitchell and replace her. Do they think they can cut you out of memories? Shame on you BBC EastEnders.”
Another mocked the editing job by posting side-by-side comparisons of the original and altered photos, joking: “Photoshop is MY passion.”
A third fan passionately defended the actress, insisting: “Danni will always be Sam Mitchell.”
Danniella originally became one of EastEnders’ most iconic stars during the 1990s thanks to her explosive portrayal of Sam Mitchell, a member of the legendary Mitchell family. Over the years, the role was also played by Kim Medcalf while Danniella stepped away from the soap during difficult periods in her personal life.
The actress officially left the show for the final time in 2016 following multiple exits and returns throughout the years.
The backlash comes just months after Danniella emotionally revealed that she hopes to return to EastEnders once her extensive reconstructive surgeries are complete.
The actress has openly spoken about her decades-long battle with cocaine addiction, which caused severe damage to her face and led to years of health struggles. Determined to rebuild both her appearance and acting career, Danniella recently underwent multiple major procedures — including a £45,000 face and neck lift in Dubai.
Speaking previously about her future, she admitted: “I’ll look like I used to look, like I should look.”
She also made it clear she desperately wants one final chapter for Sam Mitchell, saying: “When my face is done, I will return. I’d go back if they killed me off. I would finish the character that I started.”
Earlier this year, Danniella underwent another lengthy surgery aimed at rebuilding her face, following a previous operation where cartilage from her rib was used to reconstruct her nose.
On the day of the latest procedure, she shared an emotional message with fans, writing: “Big day for me heading down for a very long surgery right now to rebuild my face. Then I can get back to work.”
Now, many fans believe the edited EastEnders photo has only strengthened public support for the actress — with viewers insisting her place in soap history can never truly be erased.
