© BBC
The actress, who plays Ronnie Mitchell, announced that she would be leaving after the controversial baby swap storyline concludes, but the News of the World claims that her character will only be written out of the show for 12 months.
A source said: "Sam went through a very difficult few weeks during the filming and airing of the baby swap plot. Everything got a bit too much for her and she said things that, on reflection, she now doesn't agree with.
"Sam stood up to speak at a meeting of the cast and producers to make it clear she is committed to the soap in the long-term and doesn't harbour any grudges. She has a lot going on in her life and wants to focus on other priorities for a year, then she'll return."
A BBC spokesperson today told DS that it was too early to discuss any rumoured 'plans' for 2012. However, they added: "As we've always said, the door is being left open for the character of Ronnie Branning to return at a later date."
Scott Maslen, who plays Jack Branning, is said to have encouraged her to return.
