SAM WOMACK is coming back to EastEnders two years after she quit the soap in the wake of the controversial Baby Swap storyline.

The actress — who played Ronnie Mitchell from 2007 to 2011 — left Albert Square in a storm of controversy following a cot death plot-line that saw her steal Kat Slater’s baby after her own newborn passed away.

But she later revealed she quit the soap BEFORE hearing about the shocking storyline, as her contract was coming to an end.

Ronnie’s final scenes were shot in prison, where she was serving time for abducting baby Tommy Moon.

She will be seen back on the Square after serving her time, but will be met with a frosty reception from ex-husband Jack Branning, who she divorced during her sentence.

Ronnie will also have to build bridges with sister Roxy.

EastEnders bosses are said to be delighted that she has signed the new six-month contract and they hope her comeback will boost recent flagging ratings.

Michael French — who played car salesman David Wicks in the Nineties and returned for cameo appearances last year — is also in talks to rejoin.

Since leaving the soap, Sam — known as Samantha Janus before her 2009 marriage to actor Mark Womack — has played a number of theatre roles.

Last night the mother of two said: “I am thrilled to be returning to the role of Ronnie for the next six months.

“Ronnie is coming out of prison and her re-appearance in the Square is going to create havoc.

“I can’t wait to be a Mitchell once again.”