Why is Janine back in EastEnders?: Charlie Brooks Interview

Janine Butcher returned to EastEnders last night, clutching Mick Carter’s death certificate which showed an October date.

So what is going on? Is Mick alive or not? Is it some financial scam? Did Mick actually die in October?

As ever when Janine is around, there are so many questions, and what plays out over the next few months will impact Linda Carter’s exit – so you know it’s going to be big!

Charlie Brooks reveals all about Janine’s return…

How does it feel to be back in Walford, and reprising your iconic role of Janine once again?

I always love coming back to Janine. She’s an exciting character to play, and it’s always fun to discover what she’s been doing and what she’s been up to as an actress. Seeing everyone back at the studio, and working with Kellie again, has been amazing. It always feels like home when I go back.

I know it’s only been 4 years since you left, so has much changed or is it still largely the same?

I can’t believe it’s been 4 years, as it feels like much less time has passed for me! It [the studios] feels completely different. I did see the new lot [external set] when I was there last time, which feels like yesterday.

A woman in a red wrap top leans across a desk exchanging something with someone who cannot be seen — (Image: BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron)

Not much is known about Janine’s return – what can you tease, is she up to no good as usual or will we see a reformed Janine?

I don’t know if anyone wants to see a reformed Janine ever [laughs] so we can rest assured that we are leaning into the true nature of who Janine is. As always, it’s about survival for her.

What was it like working with Kellie Bright and Jake Wood once again on this storyline?

It was so amazing to see the whole crew and cast. One of the reasons I was coming back was to be part of Kellie’s storyline as we had such a great time working together last time. I’ve known a lot of the cast for many years, and that brings a nice sense of familiarity and peace when I go back. It also allows playfulness because it’s familiar and it feels safe. Being in that environment and having done it since I was 17 is why I feel like I can be quite brave with Janine because I’m surrounded by great people.

Janine is loved and adored by the viewers – what makes her such a fun character to play?

I always like trying to understand a little bit more about her each time I play her, and I think the ‘why’ is so important. She’s a lot of things, but she’s also a super fun character to play. She’s very camp, and I have a lot of fun with her. Janine is also deep, and she’s got a lot going on, so it’s always interesting to explore that.