Danniella Westbrook has claimed EastEnders bosses didn't tell her they had recast her Walford character Sam Mitchell.
The actress originated the role of outspoken Sam in 1990 and played her on and off until 2016, but actress Kim Medcalf took on the part between 2002 and 2005 amid Danniella's widely publicised troubles with drugs.
The BBC has now decided it's time Sam returned to Albert Square – but have chosen to bring back Kim instead of Danniella.
The actress told The Sun she was "shocked" that she wasn't told about it.
She said: "I've been known as Sam Mitchell for 32 years. But nobody at EastEnders contacted me to let me know they had recast Kim in the role. There wasn't even an email to my agent.
“I was shocked because they do have a responsibility to tell me and someone should have."
"The bosses have seen me go through addiction and they have no idea where I am today," she continued.
"Thankfully I'm OK. But if I hadn't been it could have had very serious consequences for me."
Danniella has suffered a number of setbacks over the years.
She suffered damage to her nasal septum as the result of her cocaine use, which was well-documented in the 1990s and 2000s.
The actress's face was also damaged due to osteoporosis making her bones weaken and in recent months she has shared that she is going through reconstructive surgery.
She recently revealed she has high hopes for the future, writing on Instagram: "Can't wait for all my surgery to be done… will be back to my best and fighting fit and next year I will be 50!"
"Bring it on… I'm ready… More than ready," she went on.
"I'm ready for a full transformation physically. I've spent a lot of time alone the last six months. I've been working on myself and my spiritual side has already begun evolving, I've cut the deadbeats and energy draining people out of my life.
"And I am ready to get busy living… And busy working."
Daily Star has contacted the BBC for comment.
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