EastEnders CONFIRM Janine Butcher is returning to Walford
Charlie Brooks will be back as the iconic character!
Rumours have been rife that Charlie Brooks could be making a return to EastEnders as the soap villain everyone loves to hate - Janine Butcher. Yes, she may have killed a few people (RIP Barry) and yes, her behaviour has always been slightly abhorrent - but fans of the show just love her, so they'll be thrilled to discover she's confirmed to be returning to Walford.
After teasing a secret on her Instagram profile, Charlie shared a video of herself back in character as Janine, telling the camera: "Hi guys, I'm back!" with the caption: 'Very excited to be slipping Janine shoes on once more! There’s so much in store... she’s coming home...'
Charlie said of returning to the soap after seven years away: "I am beyond excited to be slipping back into Janine's shoes and returning to the square.
"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."
Scroll through to see all the EastEnders spoilers for this week:
When Bobby and Dana head back to Kathy's empty house, things begin to heat up... The following day when they bump into Kim Fox, Dana overhears how Bobby was screened from her dating app.
Bobby finally decides to come clean and tell Dana the truth, including how he killed his sister Lucy. However it doesn't go down well because Peter Beale comforts his brother and encourages him to fight for Dana - will he win her over?
Iqra Ahmed tells Kheerat that Habiba has had her baby but when Suki Panesar finds out - she's furious her eldest son didn't tell her. Later, when Ben spots Kheerat and Sharon looking cosy, he's fuming and decides to make a call...
Later on in the week, Kheerat thanks Ben for looking after Jags but Ben is left feeling guilty... That's not the only drama for Ben because he finally decides to confront Whitney Dean over spending time with Callum - will she tell him the truth?
When Rocky takes an interest in the houses on the Square, it leave Sonia feeling suspicious. Later when Ruby's house gets broken into and Kathy thinks her purse was stolen during her date with Rocky, Sonia accuses her dad of being responsible.
Lola begins to worry about Isaac's behaviour and his obsession with Paul. However when he tells her it's because he wants to share his excitement with the woman he loves, it leaves Lola over the moon.
When the police take Chelsea into questioning over possession of stolen goods, Jack Branning advises her to hire Gray as he lawyer. It's not long before the pair start flirting but how will Karen Taylor and Mitch Baker react when they spot them together?
Fans were, of course, over the moon at the news, with many taking to the comments to share their joy. One wrote: 'The moment we have waited for!!!' as another added: 'Can’t wait to see what Janine has been up to!' and one other even had an idea for a storyline: 'Janine needs to buy the Vic 🔥 would be epic as landlady I think 🙌.'
EastEnders executive producer Jon Sen told Sky News that Janine was "one of EastEnders' most iconic characters who is loved, and often despised, in equal measure by viewers and all those in Walford."
He continued: "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.
"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..."
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