Charlie Brooks is wary of an EastEnders return because of the “fish bowl” of fame.
The former soap star, who played Janine Butcher on the BBC soap from 1999 to 2004 before returning for another six year stint until 2014, admitted it was liberating stepping away from life in the limelight but she does wonder where her alter ego has ended up.
Appearing on ITV’s Loose Women on Monday (July 22 2019), she said: “You feel like you can breathe, slightly. And that would be my biggest fear going back into it.
“It kind of turns your life upside down slightly, which is brilliant in some aspects.
“I love the show and love Janine, and I’m always intrigued to figure out where she’s been and what she’s up to, because she’s so fun. But it does get a lot, you are in a fish bowl and it can be a lot.”
Before leaving Albert Square for the second time, Charlie had appeared on shows like Strictly Come Dancing and I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here!, while in recent years she’s focused more on her stage career.
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The 38-year-old actress insisted she would never rule out a comeback, and she’s glad her character’s exit was left open ended as she left for Paris to be with her daughter Scarlett.
Asked about the possibility of a return, she said: “Well, I could – potentially. I always say the same answer, ‘never say never’. You never know – she’s in France, swanning it up with Scarlett.”
Most recently, Charlie has starred on stage as Tamora in Alex Oates’ controversial play All In A Row.
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The production came under heavy criticism for the way it addresses autism, particularly because the autistic character Laurence is portrayed by a puppet.
However, earlier this year she argued: “I understand people’s concerns, but I do urge people to come and see the play first before they judge.”
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