EastEnders fans are convinced that Janine Butcher's upcoming return is for Mick Carter's funeral, not Zoe Slater's, after spotting a key detail in leaked images. The villain, played by Charlie Brooks, has been pictured on set attending a funeral, where she is seen by Linda Carter (Kellie Bright), who looks furious.
Some had speculated the funeral could be for Zoe Slater (Michelle Ryan), who is set to leave the show and has reportedly been killed off. But another set of leaked funeral images shows the Slater family with a different coffin, leading fans to believe there are two separate funerals.
Different coffins spark fan theories
In the pictures featuring Janine and Linda, a standard wooden casket is visible. In the Slater family images, a cream, woven casket with white and yellow flowers appears. Fans have pointed out the difference as evidence that Janine is not attending Zoe's funeral.
With Kellie Bright set to leave the soap, viewers are sure the burial is for someone known to both women: their husband Mick Carter (Danny Dyer). In 2022, Janine and Linda's car crashed into the sea, and Mick dove in to rescue them. He saved Janine but disappeared while going back for Linda, who rescued herself. Mick's death has never been confirmed on screen.
Fans believe Mick's body has been found
One fan noted: "I wouldn't be surprised if Janine's at the church visiting Mick's grave. Janine was Mick's next of kin." Another added: "There is two coffins? So presumably 2 funerals? Yeah Mick's body is definitely found and that's what Linda and Janine are there for."
A third agreed: "So it definitely isn't Zoe's funeral that Janine's at since the coffins are different. I wonder if it actually is Mick's body? It makes sense to finalise that chapter in Linda's life before she leaves."
Linda's exit and Janine's return
Kellie Bright is quitting EastEnders after 13 years. Announcing her exit, she said: "EastEnders has been my home for thirteen years and I have absolutely loved being part of the show, but I have decided that it is now the right time for me to say goodbye. I made the tough decision over a year ago, and after discussing this with Kate Oates and Ben Wadey, they asked me to stay on to be part of an exciting storyline they had planned, and I happily agreed to extend my stay. I will miss my friends and colleagues hugely, but I am looking forward to my next chapter and spending more time with my wonderful boys."
Janine was last seen on the show in December 2022, bowing out at the same time as Danny Dyer. She was sentenced to five years in prison for her role in Mick's disappearance. She is reportedly returning for a set of guest episodes.
