Janine's Colossal Return to Albert Square
A quote from Game of Thrones' Lady Olenna Tyrell rings true for EastEnders' Janine Butcher: 'I wonder if you're the worst person I've ever met; at a certain age, it's hard to recall, but the truly vile do stand out through the years.' Janine, played by Charlie Brooks, is a damaged, abandoned youngster who became a manipulative, remorseless monster, beloved in a love-to-hate way. Her impending return later this year has fans eager to see her trademark vicious barbs.
Why Is She Coming Back?
The only question is who she'll interact with. Her family are gone, and besides Billy Mitchell (Perry Fenwick), nobody else can stand her. Despite her history of scamming and murder, Janine loved Mick Carter (Danny Dyer). The toxic love triangle with Mick and Linda Carter (Kellie Bright) ended with Mick swept out to sea, presumed dead. Could Janine unlock the mystery of his fate? Or is she back for Linda herself? Janine never gives up on a feud, and a prison spell prevented her from finishing with Linda.
Linda's Peace at Risk
Linda has found stability and is considering a relationship with councillor Clive Masters (Jason Durr), after a will-they-won't-they with Max Branning (Jake Wood). But Janine's return could shatter that peace. Clive may not have the cunning to take on Janine, but Max does; will Linda seek his help and draw them together again?
What Happened in Her Last Stint?
Janine's last stint saw her attempt to destroy Linda and Mick's relationship. She targeted Linda's alcoholism, married Mick just before Christmas 2022, but her schemes were exposed. Pregnant with Mick's baby, she fled, and in the ensuing chaos drove off a cliff. Mick dove in to save her and his baby, unaware Linda had swum to safety, and was lost to the waves. Charged with perverting the course of justice, Janine was sentenced to five years in prison.
