EastEnders star Charlie Brooks hints at possible return for Janine Butcher

Charlie Brooks would be open to her 'EastEnders' alter ego Janine Butcher making a return - but not full-time.

The 42-year-old actress made an explosive exit in December when Janine was arrested for perverting the course of justice, but Charlie hasn't ruled out reprising her evil character again.

Janine told The Sun: "She is always fun to play and I'm always interested in what she's doing and what she's up to so there's always a possibility.

"But I couldn't play her constantly and I don't think anyone would want me to. I think somebody might actually kill me if Janine was always in their living rooms four times a week."

Janine was put in prison after Mick Carter [Danny Dyer] drowned saving his ex-wife Linda Carter [Kellie Bright], who has been picking up the pieces trying to carry on running The Queen Vic pub she once shared with her spouse.

However, Janine attempted to sell Mick’s share of the boozer. The following month, Linda learned via her solicitor that Janine had pleaded guilty, and she was just given a sentence of five years, much to the shock of Linda.

Charlie initially starred as Janine on the BBC One soap from 1999 until 2004, then again from 2008 until 2014, and made a comeback to the show in 2021, before her latest departure.

The star had previously revealed she was only originally contracted for a year on the show.

She told The Sun on Sunday newspaper: "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. But as always with Janine, she probably should not outstay her welcome — for everyone’s sake."