Janine Butcher is about to make a dramatic return to BBC One’s EastEnders.
Iconic villain Janine, played by Charlie Brooks was last seen on the show in 2014 having been first introduced in 1989.
Seven years after departing the square, Janine is being lined up to make a comeback as part of an explosive new storyline.
You can watch a first look at Janine’s arrival in the new EastEnders trailer below…
The BBC teased previously: “Janine was last seen heading to Paris in 2014 to pick up her daughter Scarlett but her whereabouts have been unknown since then. With Scarlett also set to return, Janine’s sudden reappearance will likely send shockwaves around Walford and with enemies to boot around every corner, trouble will no doubt follow her back to E20.”
On her return to Albert Square, Charlie said: “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.”
Jon Sen, Executive Producer, EastEnders 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…”
Janine was last seen being shunned by the residents of Walford after avoiding conviction for murdering her fourth husband, Michael Moon (Steve John Shepherd).
Prior to that Janine had infamously killed her first husband, Barry Evans (Shaun Williamson) by pushing him off a cliff edge.
The source added: “One thing the viewers can be sure about is that it is bound to be explosive. Wherever Janine goes, drama is never far behind.”
Speaking in 2018 about a possible return to EastEnders, Charlie – who revealed Janine was “off in France somewhere” – said: “I always say the same thing, you don’t know what the future holds, never say never.. who knows?”
For now you can watch EastEnders airs Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays on BBC One.
Latest episodes are available to watch online via the BBC iPlayer here.
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