EastEnders branded ‘disgraceful’ as they scrub show legend out of on-set photo
EASTENDERS has been branded ‘disgraceful’ after fans caught them photoshopping a former actress out of an old photo from the show.
The removed star left the popular soap back in 2016 while she was in the middle of a health battle.
But eagle-eyed fans noticed that she had been replaced in the throwback snap by Nigel Bates, and took to X to slam their behaviour.
One user said: “This is just disgraceful. Danniella Westbrook , they’re trying to erase the legacy and impact you created as Sam Mitchell and replace you.
“Do they think they can cut you out of memories? Shame on you @BBC Eastenders.”
A second wrote: “Photoshop is MY passion,” holding up a print of the edited photo to compare the two side by side.
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A third added: “Danni will always be Sam Mitchell.”
Danniella was axed from her role as Sam Mitchell multiple times and last left the popular soap in 2016.
The editing slight comes six months after Danniella revealed that she’s keen to return to the show.
Danniella struggled with a decades-long cocaine addition that left her face distorted, but she told the Daily Mail that she’d like to return to EastEnders after her reconstructive surgeries are completed.
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She said: “I’ll look like I used to look [after the surgeries], like I should look.
“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.”
In February, Danniella flew out to Dubai for another round of major surgeries as well as a full £45,000 neck and face lift.
It followed a nose surgery she’d had in the summer, with cartilage from her rib being taken out to fix her nose.
At the time, the star admitted she was hoping to rebuild her face so that she can kick start her acting career once again.
On the day of her surgery, she said: “Big day for me heading down for a very long surgery right now to rebuild my face.
“Then I can get back to work.”
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Danniella played the role of Sam Mitchell for eight non-consecutive years on the show, with actress Kim Medcalf replacing her while she was off-screen.