Sex and the City spin-off And Just Like That addresses what happened to Samantha Jones in first episode

Samantha Jones’ fate has bee revealed (Pictures: Getty / Rex)

Warning: Contains And Just Like That spoilers.

And Just Like That’s first episode ends the mystery of what happened to Samantha Jones after the character, played by Kim Cattrall, is missing from the show.

The actress, 65, chose not to return for the Sex and the City spin-off after falling out with co-star Sarah Jessica Parker, 56.

The series began on Thursday and finally confirmed that the character would not be killed off, but her absence is addressed early on.

In the opening scene, it’s revealed that Samantha is no longer on speaking terms with her friends, Carrie (Sarah Jessica Parker), Miranda (Cynthia Nixon) and Charlotte (Kristin Davis).

In art seemingly imitating life, Carrie explains to Miranda: ‘It’s kind of like she’s dead, we never talk about her. She stopped returning my calls.’

Carrie, Miranda and Charlotte revealed they no longer speak to Samantha (Picture: HBO Max / BACKGRID)

Miranda then adds: ‘Her pride got damaged,’ confirming that neither she nor Charlotte (Kristin Davis) had spoken to Samantha either, despite texting and calling her in an attempt to make amends.

It is explained that Samantha ended her friendship with Carrie after she was terminated as her publicist, with Carrie commenting: ‘I thought I was more to her than an ATM.’

She then adds sadly: ‘I always thought the four of us would be friends forever.’

As well as ending her friendships, it is revealed that Samantha has left New York in favour of living in London in recent years.

Kim turned down the chance to return after an apparent falling out with Sarah (Picture: New Line Cinema/Hbo/Village Roadshow/Kobal/REX/Shutterstock)

Kim has previously spoken about moving on from the iconic character, who she had played for six series and two films.

She told The Guardian’s Observer magazine in 2019: ‘I went past the finish line playing Samantha Jones because I loved Sex and the City.

‘It was a blessing in so many ways but after the second movie I’d had enough.’

She added: ‘I couldn’t understand why they wouldn’t just replace me with another actress instead of wasting time bullying. No means no.’

And Just Like That is available to watch in the UK on Sky Comedy and NOW.

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