Comeback Crushed: Danniella Westbrook Rushed to Hospital, Forced Out of Dream Role in Tales From The Trap

Former EastEnders star Danniella Westbrook’s long-awaited return to the screen has been dramatically halted after she was rushed to hospital with severe breathing difficulties, leading producers to recast her pivotal role just days before filming intensified.

dailymail.co.uk

dailymail.co.uk

The 52-year-old actress was set to make her big-screen comeback in the gritty independent British crime drama Tales From The Trap, portraying a gun-selling gangster granny – a role insiders described as perfect for her fiery persona. But on Friday, December 5, Westbrook suffered a serious breathing crisis, believed to stem from longstanding complications related to her collapsed nasal septum.

imdb.com

Tales from the Trap (2023) – IMDb

A source close to the production told the Daily Mail: “Danniella was rushed into hospital on Friday with breathing difficulties which meant she had to pull out of filming Tales From The Trap.” The insider added: “She was due to make her movie comeback as a gangster granny selling AK47s to the gangsters. It’s really disappointing as I am sure everyone was looking forward to seeing her play that part.”

Producers acted swiftly to avoid delays, replacing Westbrook with Kim Tiddy, known for roles in Slow Horses and The Bill. Tiddy stepped in at the eleventh hour, allowing the project to continue.

Tales From The Trap, described by producer Terry Stone as “Top Boy meets Blue Story on steroids – think of it as Rise of the Footsoldier,” explores South London’s county lines, drill culture, and inner-city violence. The cast includes Love Island’s Liv Hawkins, Vas Blackwood, Judith Shekoni, boxer Frazer Clarke, Adam Deacon, and Grime MC Amzzino. Filming began in London in November, with a planned release in September 2026.

This marked Westbrook’s first major acting gig since appearing on Celebrity Big Brother in 2016, where she finished third. She had expressed excitement about the comeback, pinning hopes on the role to revitalize her career after nearly a decade away from screens.

Westbrook’s health issues are well-documented, tracing back to her past struggles with cocaine addiction, which caused her septum to collapse in the early 2000s. Combined with osteoporosis, these have led to multiple surgeries and ongoing complications, including breathing problems. Recent years saw her undergo facial reconstructions, including procedures in Turkey.

A spokesperson for Westbrook confirmed: “Danniella has made the difficult but necessary decision to put her health first. She wishes the production team every success moving forward and looks forward to returning to work when the timing aligns with her health and readiness.”

Fans have flooded social media with messages of support, sending love and prayers for a speedy recovery. Many expressed heartbreak over the lost opportunity, noting how much the role meant to her after years of personal battles.

Westbrook, who shot to fame at 16 as Sam Mitchell on EastEnders, has been open about her triumphs and tribulations. Despite the setback, sources say she remains determined, with plans to launch a talent management firm in the new year.

This latest chapter serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of recovery and comeback dreams in the unforgiving world of showbusiness. As filming continues without her, the industry and fans alike hope for Westbrook’s swift return to strength.