Janine to return to EastEnders sooner than we thought after SHOCK sentencing?

EastEnders week 18
Could Janine Butcher be back in EastEnders sooner than we thought? (Image credit: BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron)

EastEnders villain Janine Butcher could come back to cause chaos in the Square sooner than we thought as actress Charlie Brooks teased a potential return to the soap.

This news comes after Linda Carter (Kellie Bright) was left distraught when pregnant Janine was sentenced to just five years in prison for her reign of terror against the Carter family.

Janine made her explosive comeback to EastEnders in 2021 and left a trail of chaos in her wake as she went to evil lengths to destroy the Carters.

Janine's scheming was exposed on Christmas Day 2022 and a devastated Janine drove her car off a cliff with love rival Linda inside. Janine's husband Mick Carter (Danny Dyer) dived in to save a pregnant Janine, but he was unaware that Linda had managed to swim to safety and went back into the sea to rescue the love of his life. 

As he searched for her in the water, he disappeared and is now presumed to have drowned in the sea, although his body has never been found.

Janine Butcher talks to Mick Carter

Janine married Mick Carter and destroyed the Carter clan. (Image credit: BBC)

When Janine's secrets and lies came to light, she tried to flee Walford with her daughter, Scarlett (Tabitha Byron). However, her escape plan was scuppered by her brother Ricky (Sid Owen) who called the police. She was then arrested and driven out of the Square in a police car.

But this may not be the last we've seen of Janine as soap star Charlie told The Sun that she would be open to making a bombshell return to Walford.

She said: "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."

Although, she added that she wouldn't want Janine to return permanently, as she joked: "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."

EastEnders airs Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings at 7.30 pm on BBC One — see our TV Guide for full listings. You can also catch up on episodes on BBC iPlayer now. 

Grace Morris
Staff Writer

Grace is a digital writer with WhatToWatch.com, where she writes series guides, recaps and features for must-watch shows and delivers all the latest soap news and reactions. She graduated from Anglia Ruskin University in 2020 with a degree in Writing and Film Studies, which only made her love for creative writing, film and TV grow stronger.

You'll usually find her watching the drama unfold in the latest reality series or much-loved UK soaps (usually with chocolate by her side!). She's an expert in EastEnders, Emmerdale, Coronation Street and everything reality-related from Selling Sunset and Married At First Sight UK to 90 Day Fiancé UK. Plus Netflix megahit Virgin River!

Grace also likes to explore new places with her friends and family and, of course, watch and read about the latest films and TV series.