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EastEnders legend Charlie Brooks tipped for Janine Butcher return in "explosive" autumn storyline
She was last seen four years ago.
BBC/Kieron McCarron
- Michael Adams
Published: Saturday, 25 July 2026 at 9:35 pm
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Charlie Brooks is reportedly returning to EastEnders later this year.
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The Sun reports that Brooks will reprise her Janine Butcher role - which she first played in 1999 - following a four year break.
The publication claims that her "explosive" storyline, which will kick off in the autumn, could well play into another eventful Christmas in Walford.
A source said: “Janine’s appearance is going to blow the roof off Albert Square.”
“The bosses have several huge stories planned for this autumn, which will all start building towards Christmas.
Charlie Brooks first played Janine Butcher in 1999. BBC
“Although Charlie is only reprising her role as Janine for a couple of episodes this time around, her involvement is bound to cause plenty of drama.
“The plans are being kept top secret as they are really keen fans don’t have the storylines spoilt for them. But no doubt they are going to love seeing Janine back to cause chaos.”
An EastEnders spokesperson declined to comment when approached by Radio Times.
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Janine was last seen on Boxing Day 2022 after her web of lies was exposed to Mick Carter (Danny Dyer), which resulted in a car chase. He subsequently disappeared at sea, and she was arrested for perverting the course of justice.
The legend accepted a plea deal and was handed a five-year sentence, meaning her release is right around the corner.
Just weeks ago, Brooks failed to rule out a comeback in an appearance on Good Morning Britain.
An explosive Christmas story saw her bow out in 2022. BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron/Matt Burlem
Asked whether she might "get out earlier" by entertainment editor Richard Arnold, Brooks said: "We'll have to see!"
Anchor Susanna Reid then probed her further, to which the actress responded: "I mean, look, I get asked this question all the time. I love Janine, I love playing her. She's a wonderful character. I always get blessed with such great storylines."
"So, who knows? It's always a home from home, EastEnders, you know."
Co-host Ed Balls then joked: "You've got to get through the parole hearing first," with Charlie responding: "Yes, yes, but she finds her way out of these situations."
Janine has a lot of history in Albert Square! BBC, Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron
Arnold added: "That's the staying power for that character, though, and you did that spectacularly. For a character with such form, if not [to] redeem them, but to still keep a presence and be part of the show for so many years, when Janine has done so much."
Since departing from the soap in 2022, Brooks has appeared on stage in productions of The Ocean at the End of the Lane and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.
She's also appeared in the world premiere of The Hidden Dangers of Camping at Windsor Theatre Royal this month.
Read more:
- 4 EastEnders spoilers for next week: Ian Beale faces prison sentence and Sharon Watts gets a shock
- EastEnders confirms Zoe Slater exit as legendary character tipped to be killed off
- EastEnders confirms Hollyoaks favourite cast as new detective for major Branning storyline
- EastEnders legend teases "dangerous" dynamic between Max Branning and Cindy Beale
Visit our dedicated EastEnders page for all the latest news, interviews and spoilers.
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Authors
Michael AdamsSoaps Editor
Michael Adams is the Soaps Editor at Radio Times, covering all of the hot gossip and spoilers from Weatherfield to Walford, Emmerdale to Hollyoaks and everywhere in-between. He joined the team from Metro, where he spent two years as a Soaps Reporter and previously worked on the sets of both Coronation Street and Emmerdale.
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