Ricky Mitchell

Richard Mitchell is the son of Sam Mitchell and Jack Branning. Born in the episode broadcast on 2nd September 2010 though it is set the day before.

In late 2009 while in a relationship with Ricky Butcher, Sam Mitchell has an affair with Jack Branning before being arrested and sent to prison for her role in the death of Dirty Den. It was during this time frame when Richard was concieved.

Sometime later Sam discovered she was pregnant but did not tell anyone except for close friend Minty Peterson.

In late August, Sam's mother Peggy Mitchell visits Sam in prison and it is not until the end of the visit when Peggy realises Sam is pregnant. Sam says that she does not want to see Peggy but after being rushed to hospital Peggy insists and it is during an argument between them when Sam goes into labour. Despite insisting that Ricky is the father of her baby both potential fathers Ricky and Jack and their partners Bianca and Ronnie go to the hospital.

After the baby boy is born, Sam announces that she is putting him up for adoption. Despite her mothers and Ricky's pleas she continues to insist that it is the right thing to do even after an attempted intervention by Ronnie and Roxy. It is only when Peggy points out that Ricky would never forgive her if she gave up his baby that she changes his mind and returns home to the Vic with Peggy and the baby.

Despite insisting that the baby is Ricky's and even naming him Richard after him Jack, Ricky, Bianca and Ronnie still insist on a DNA test. It is carried out and Sam recieves a phone call with the results which she claims confirmed Ricky was the father however a suspicious Bianca contacts the DNA testing clinic and is shocked to discover that Sam lied and Jack is the father of Richard. After confronting her about it publicly Sam admits she lied because Ronnie persuaded her too.