[Smithy]

EastEnders bosses have announced that Samantha Womack is reprising her role as Ronnie Mitchell.

The actress has agreed to return to the BBC soap for a six-month stint, which will see Ronnie head back to Albert Square ready to put the past behind her.

After spending two years in prison for abducting Kat Moon's baby son Tommy, Ronnie won't have an easy ride in Walford as she has to face those she has previously wronged - including her ex-husband Jack (Scott Maslen).

On a happier note, Ronnie does have the support of her family and as she is reunited with Roxy (Rita Simons), the Mitchell sisters will once again become a force to be reckoned with on the Square.

Speaking of her shock comeback, Womack commented: "I am thrilled to be returning to the role of Ronnie for the next six months. Ronnie is coming out of prison and her reappearance in the Square is going to create havoc. I can't wait to be a Mitchell once again!"

EastEnders' executive producer Lorraine Newman added: "We're delighted to announce Samantha Womack's return to Albert Square. The Mitchell sisters are a fabulous pairing and it will be an absolute delight to have Ronnie and Roxy back together on screen.

"However, Ronnie's departure wasn't without controversy for many residents in Walford, and her return will be sure to ruffle quite a few feathers."

Show chiefs have promised that Ronnie's return will be part of a huge summer and autumn for EastEnders, which will also see a number of new faces arriving to shake up the Square.

Womack will begin filming at EastEnders again this summer.

Too soon tbh