Danniella Westbrook Returns to Film as Gun-Toting Grandma in New British Urban Feature Nine Years After Last TV Role

Danniella Westbrook Set for Movie Comeback in Gritty Urban Drama

Danniella Westbrook, 52, is returning to the screen after an eight-year hiatus, starring in the independent British film Tales From The Trap. The project, filming in London this week, marks her first acting role since 2016. Best known for her iconic portrayal of Sam Mitchell on EastEnders at age 16, Danniella joins a cast including producer-actor Terry Stone (Rise of the Footsoldier), Vas Blackwood, Olympian Frazer Clarke, Judith Shekoni, and grime artist Amzzino.

A Raw Glimpse into South London’s Underworld
Described by Stone as “Top Boy meets Blue Story on steroids,” the film explores South London’s county lines drug networks, drill music, and inner-city violence. Stone, a veteran of British crime cinema, calls it a “powerful modern evolution” of the genre, blending “energy, music, and raw truth.” While Danniella’s role remains under wraps, the film is slated for a September 2026 release.

[Image: Danniella Westbrook on set, caption: Danniella returns to filming in London for Tales From The Trap.]

From Soap Star to Reality TV
Danniella’s career skyrocketed with EastEnders in the 1990s, but her battle with cocaine addiction led to her exit in 1996. She later appeared on Celebrity Big Brother (2016), I’m A Celebrity (2003), and Dancing on Ice (2010). Despite sporadic TV roles, her personal struggles often overshadowed her career.

Health Battles and Reconstructive Surgery
Danniella’s past drug use severely damaged her health, causing her nasal septum to collapse in 2002. She’s undergone multiple reconstructive surgeries, including a 2023 procedure in Turkey involving liposuction, fat grafting, and jawline etching. Earlier this year, she shared a hospital selfie before another “very long” facial reconstruction, writing, “Then I can get back to work.” The surgery followed a split from partner Chasa Symonds in August.

[Image: Danniella in a hospital gown, caption: Danniella pre-surgery in 2025, aiming to rebuild her face after years of health struggles.]

A Lifelong Struggle for Stability
At her lowest, Danniella spent £250,000 on cocaine, consuming up to five grams daily. Osteoporosis further deteriorated her facial bones, requiring rib cartilage implants in 2018. Despite setbacks, she remains determined to revive her career, funding her own surgeries despite global clinic offers.

[Image: Danniella in I’m A Celebrity, caption: Danniella on I’m A Celebrity in 2003 during her addiction struggles.]

Looking Ahead
With Tales From The Trap, Danniella hopes to reclaim her place in entertainment. The film’s unflinching narrative mirrors her resilience—a testament to survival in life and art. As Stone gears up for his “boldest project yet,” audiences await Danniella’s return to the spotlight, both on-screen and beyond.

[Image: Cast table read, caption: Danniella and co-stars prepare for Tales From The Trap, a story of grit and redemption.]

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