[bbfan1991]

IT'S the return of the Womack - EastEnders star Samantha is planning a shock comeback just months after she quit over the dead baby swap plot.


The News of the World can exclusively reveal that soap bosses have only written her character Ronnie Mitchell out of the show for 12 months.


The actress, who said the recent controversial storyline made her feel sick, has told bosses that she wants to go back to the show.


Last night, a top BBC source told us: "Sam went through a very difficult few weeks during the filming and airing of the baby swap plot.


"Everything got a bit too much for her and she said things that, on reflection, she now doesn't agree with.


I felt ill having to portray it. It was the most horrific four weeks of my life

"Sam stood up to speak at a meeting of the cast and producers to make it clear she is committed to the soap in the long-term and doesn't harbour any grudges.


"She has a lot going on in her life and wants to focus on other priorities for a year, then she'll return."


Sam's return has been encouraged by her on-screen husband Scott Maslen, who plays Jack Branning.


He remains committed to Enders and has privately urged the 38-year-old mum to come back after taking time off.


Our source added: "The plot will have Jack and Ronnie separating when Sam is on her break.


"However, the plan is to bring them back together."


But Sam's decision will stun the 13,000 furious fans who complained about the harrowing baby drama after learning of her unhappiness.


The storyline, which saw Ronnie swap Kat's healthy baby Tommy with her dead baby James, engulfed the BBC in a major scandal.


Sam said of the storyline: "I felt ill having to portray it. It was the most horrific four weeks of my life."


Sam resigned in November after finding out about the plot and is due to finish in May.


But she could be back as early as April 2012.


The source said: "Ronnie's return will be a huge ratings boost so the producers are working towards that."


Yes.