EASTENDERS actress Kim Medcalf is recovering in hospital after a horrific car accident in northern France.

Bromley girl Kim, 28, who plays Sam Mitchell in the soap, broke her breastbone and leg and suffered severe bruising.

The smash happened on the first day of a holiday to Italy with her boyfriend Sam Grant.

Kim, who had a steel rod inserted in her leg, has been flown home and is recovering at a private hospital.

An EastEnders spokesman said: "Our priority is that she gets better. It is far too early to speculate if there would have to be changes to the script as Kim's holiday had been due to last a fortnight."

July 9, 2002 12:30