EastEnders’ star Samantha Womack was rushed to hospital after choking on a slice of pizza.

The 41-year-old actress, who plays Ronnie Mitchell in the BBC1 soap, was dining out with her family when a piece of pizza crust lodged in her throat leaving her gasping for air.

The soap star was left struggling for breath and family and staff rallied around her to help.

The actress was dashed to hospital as the piece of food was still not completely dislodged from her throat.

Apparently once doctors had removed the food, they put a camera down her throat to ensure the airway was fully clear.

The actress is said to have been pretty embarrassed by the incident and is recovering at home.

Samantha’s character made a dramatic return to Albert Square late last year after seeing out a two-year prison sentence for kidnapping a baby.