Daniella not axed - returning again next year

Actress Daniella Westbrook is set to return to EastEnders again next year for a FIFTH time.

Daniella, 35, who returned to the soap last week after nine years, has not been axed as reported in one paper.

But her storyline as Sam Mitchell will come to a dramatic conclusion at Christmas resulting in another departure.

The way will then be open for comeback No 5. Executive producer Diederick Santer said: "When Daniella and I first talked about her return, we discussed a particular storyline with a specific length of contract.

"She has done brilliantly and I hope she will be back with us in the future."

The ex-child star, who battled cocaine addiction for years, has been in and out of the soap since 1990.

Her part was played for three years by Kim Medcalf, 34.