Charlie Brooks confirms EastEnders exit just 18 months after soap return

25.09.2022 - 11:35 / ok.co.uk

EastEnders legendary character Janine Butcher is set to say farewell to the Square later this year, just 18 months after actress Charlie Brooks returned to Walford. Charlie, 41, reprised her role as the soap's love to hate character in September last year after a seven year hiatus and has announced that her time as Janine has come to an end - for now! “I was only ever due back to EastEnders for a year, but when [exec producer] Chris Clenshaw presented me with his idea for the story, I couldn’t say no to staying a little longer," she told The Sun on Sunday.

She continued: “I’ve had an amazing time, as I always do when I go back. “But as always with Janine, she probably should not outstay her welcome — for everyone’s sake.” The star is set to film an explosive exit from the soap later this year following the departure of loveable landlord Mick Carter played by actor Danny Dyer.

Albert Square legend Janine's final scenes are set to air on our screens around new year.The exit storyline is set to be a big one with some former familiar faces returning for the showdown. Janine’s older brother Ricky Butcher, played by Sid Owen will come back to the soap for his on-screen sister’s final scenes, 10 years after last leaving the show.

A source told the publication: “Bosses are staying tight-lipped about her dramatic exit, but massive stories are planned for the rest of the year and for 2023.” Janine’s return has seen her embroiled in the Carters' drama and this week she found out she is pregnant with Mick’s baby. In a bid to win Mick’s affections away from his estranged wife Linda, played by actress Kellie Bright, Janine crashed a car with Linda as a passenger earlier this year.