Charlie Brooks has spoken publicly for the first time about Janine Butcher's dramatic return to EastEnders, confirming the character is back on screens after a four-year absence.
Brooks, who first appeared as the Albert Square villain in 1999, last left the BBC soap in 2022 when Janine was jailed for five years for perverting the course of justice. The character, who was said to have given birth in prison, was last seen in a storyline where she tricked Mick Carter into believing his wife Linda was trapped at sea. Danny Dyer's character is believed to have died in the water as a result of her lie.
Return Scenes Air
Brooks returned as Janine in scenes aired on Thursday (November 5), coinciding with the exit storyline for Kellie Bright, who plays Linda Carter. Linda has been struggling to navigate her relationship with Max Branning, while also worrying about her son Lee Carter's drinking. Linda is currently sober after years of struggling with alcoholism.
In the episode, Max told his daughter that he is fed up of living in 'St Mick's' shadow and said he will make Linda 'forget that Mick ever existed' and not be her 'second best'. The Carters were also left stunned when they saw Linda's mum Elaine kissing Ian Beale while watching fireworks.
Brooks on Her Return
Speaking about her return, Brooks told the BBC: "I always love coming back to Janine. She's an exciting character to play, and it's always fun to discover what she's been doing and what she's been up to as an actress. Seeing everyone back at the studio, and working with Kellie again, has been amazing. It always feels like home when I go back."
She added: "I can't believe it's been 4 years, as it feels like much less time has passed for me! It [the studios] feels completely different. I did see the new lot [external set] when I was there last time, which feels like yesterday."
Janine's Future
Asked whether Janine has turned a corner, Brooks joked that she 'doesn't know if anyone wants to see a reformed Janine ever'. She noted that the show's writers are 'leaning into the true nature of who Janine is' and 'it's about survival for her'.
Brooks also spoke about returning to work with the cast and crew, saying: "It was so amazing to see the whole crew and cast. One of the reasons I was coming back was to be part of Kellie's storyline as we had such a great time working together last time."
She said that having known many of the cast for years brings "a nice sense of familiarity and peace" and allows playfulness because it feels safe. "Being in that environment and having done it since I was 17 is why I feel like I can be quite brave with Janine because I'm surrounded by great people," she admitted.
Brooks concluded: "I always like trying to understand a little bit more about her each time I play her, and I think the 'why' is so important. She's a lot of things, but she's also a super fun character to play. She's very camp, and I have a lot of fun with her. Janine is also deep, and she's got a lot going on, so it's always interesting to explore that."
