Charlie Brooks has teased a return to ‘EastEnders’.
The 36-year-old actress turned her back on the long-running soap in 2014 in order to explore theatre, but she has warned that the residents of Walford should watch their backs over the next year or so as there’s a possibility that her conniving alter-ego Janine Butcher – a role she played on and off for 15 years – could make a comeback.
Speaking to Inside Soap magazine, she said: "John Yorke [the new executive producer] is a genius at what he does. I was there during his earlier reign and Janine was his baby, really. He was so invested in her storylines.
"I do wonder what the writers could do with her. She’s done so much already, so what could she do next? The reason I left ‘EastEnders’ was to do more theatre and I have. It’s not part of my plans to return, but never say never!"
John was forced to take control of the reigns once again last month after Sean O’Connor – who took over from Dominic Treadwell-Collins in 2016 – dramatically quit following a drastic dip in ratings and a number of complaints from members of the cast.
Acclaimed producer John – who previously worked on the show from 1999 until 2002 – has been brought on board to transform the fortunes of the BBC soap, and he is apparently planning to revamp the cast and introduce some more dramatic storylines.
A source said recently: "John was responsible for some of the soap’s best storylines."
John is planning to screen the death of a lead character, a family abuse plot and even a shooting in a bid to resurrect the viewing figures, which have slumped to 4.5 million.
What’s more, it’s been reported that the programme’s cast list of 90-odd regulars could be markedly reduced, while casting the likes of ex-Blue singer Lee Ryan is set to stop.
Charlie Brooks teases EastEnders return
