'EastEnders' confirms Charlie Brooks will return as Janine Butcher

One of Albert Square's best-loved villains is returning to Walford after seven years away.

EastEnders has confirmed Janine Butcher is making a comeback following speculation that actor Charlie Brooks would be reprising her role as the devious character.

Janine was last seen heading to Paris in 2014 to pick up daughter Scarlett, whose father Michael Moon (Steve John Shepherd) she murdered the previous year.

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Brooks said of her return: "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.”

Watch: Charlie Brooks talks about her love for Janine Butcher

The soap baddie will be coming back with her daughter in tow.

One of Janine's most famous storylines saw her push Barry Evans (Shaun Williamson) off a cliff to his death on New Year's Day 2004 shortly after marrying him.

She also killed another Albert Square resident when she accidentally mowed down Danielle Jones (Lauren Crace) in a hit and run.

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EastEnders' Executive Producer Jon Sen added: “Janine is one of EastEnders most iconic characters who is loved, and often despised, in equal measure by viewers and all those in Walford. 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…”

Watch: Charlie Brooks' ex-husband lives in the flat above her