eastenders janine return
Soaps

EastEnders: Janine Butcher return confirmed as BBC releases new photos

She's been away from Albert Square for over seven years... but she's back!

Janine Butcher WILL return to EastEnders, the BBC has announced.

Soap bosses have confirmed the rumours are true – Charlie Brooks will be reprising her role as iconic Walford villainess Janine.

Charlie last appeared in Albert Square back in March 2014. But after seven years away from the soap, she can’t wait to get back to stirring it up.

eastenders janine return
Charlie Brooks has made appearances on Loose Women since her last stint as Janine (Credit: Loose Women YouTube)

Why is Janine Butcher making a return to EastEnders?

It sounds like a huge storyline – or maybe more than one – is in the offing for Janine.

Executive producer Jon Sen even teased she could be back in extremely dangerous form as he echoed one of the character’s most famous lines.

He said: “Janine is one of EastEnders most iconic characters who is loved, and often despised, in equal measure by viewers and all those in Walford.

Read more: Is EastEnders on today? How to watch this week’s episodes now

“Charlie’s portrayal of Janine over the years has created some of EastEnders most memorable moments and we are all really excited to see Charlie bring her incredible portrayal of Janine back again.”

Teasing a notable plot for Janine, he continued: “We have lots of drama in store for Janine. In fact it may be wise for some of the residents of Walford to invest in some slip on shoes…”

Could Barry’s fate befall some other mug who gives Janine the time of day?

Lie With Me Charlie Brooks
Charlie Brooks became Queen of the Jungle in between soap stints (Credit: I’m A Celebrity YouTube)

What does Charlie Brooks have to say about Janine’s return?

Former I’m A Celebrity Queen of the Jungle Charlie is clearly made up about playing Janine again.

She said: “I am beyond excited to be slipping back into Janine’s shoes and returning to the Square.

We have lots of drama in store for Janine.

“The time feels right and I can’t wait to find out what she’s been up to for the last seven years!

“She is and always has been so much fun to play.

“Feels a bit like coming home. It’s good to be back.”

Janine Butcher EastEnders return confirmed: New pics of star Charlie Brooks on Walford set
But what has Janine Butcher been up to for the last seven years? (Credit: BBC)

What was Janine up to last time we saw her on screen?

Back in 2014, fans saw Janine head to Paris to pick up her daughter Scarlett.

Read more: Pride Month: The greatest LGBTQ+ characters in British soap

However, her whereabouts and what she’s up to have not been revealed since then.

No doubt she will let everyone know soon enough… unless keeping secrets suits her better.

Want more spoilers from EastEnders? Entertainment Daily has a dedicated EastEnders spoilers section for you to get your fix before the latest episodes air.

EastEnders usually airs Mondays at 8.05pm, Tuesdays and Thursdays at 7.35pm and Fridays at 8.30pm on BBC One. Find out the latest about when the BBC soap is on during Euro 2020 by clicking here.

YouTube video player

Leave us a comment on our Facebook page @EntertainmentDailyFix and let us know what you think of this story.


Robert Leigh
Freelance writer