EastEnders fans are in for another shock with the return of one of Albert Square’s most notorious characters.
Charlie Brooks is rumoured to be reprising her role as Janine Butcher for a brief but "explosive" storyline on the long-running BBC soap.
The plot could be linked to the show’s Christmas Day episode, according to reports.
EastEnders star Charlie Brooks 'returning' as Janine Butcher
"The bosses have several huge stories planned for this autumn, which will all start building towards Christmas," an EastEnders insider told The Sun.
"Although Charlie is only reprising her role as Janine for a couple of episodes this time around, her involvement is bound to cause plenty of drama.
"The plans are being kept top secret as they are really keen fans don’t have the storylines spoilt for them."
The source added: "But no doubt they are going to love seeing Janine back to cause chaos."
Newsquest has approached the BBC for comment.
Brooks, who joined the soap in 1999, recently teased a possible return by suggesting that Janine’s release from prison was drawing near.
In a recent appearance on Good Morning Britain, the actress was asked whether she might "get out earlier" by entertainment editor Richard Arnold.
She replied: "We'll have to see!"
After a further prompt from Susanna Reid, Brooks added: "I mean, look, I get asked this question all the time.
"I love Janine, I love playing her.
"She's a wonderful character.
"I always get blessed with such great storylines."
"So, who knows?
"It's always a home from home, EastEnders, you know."
Janine’s long history on the Square includes the murder of her husband Barry Evans in 2004.
She helped to stab to death her fourth husband, Michael Moon, in 2013.
The character was arrested in 2022 after her fifth husband Mick Carter (Danny Dyer) supposedly drowned in the Channel.
Janine was sentenced to five years in jail for perverting the course of justice by framing Mick’s ex-wife Linda Carter for a drink-driving crash.
EastEnders star axed from BBC soap
In other EastEnders news, soap legend Michelle Ryan has been axed from the BBC show, just one year after her comeback.
Ryan returned to Albert Square last year after her character, Zoe Slater, had a 20-year absence.
The star originally appeared on EastEnders from 2000 to 2005, and Zoe's return saw the character reconnect with her estranged mother, Kat Moon, played by Jessie Wallace.
But now Zoe is set to leave the BBC soap for good, with reports that scriptwriters have chosen to kill off the character.
Zoe's exit reportedly has already been filmed, with EastEnders viewers able to watch the scenes later this year.
Discussing the characters depature, a source told The Sun, "Michelle’s long-awaited return has been somewhat flat and lacklustre.
"There’s been a backlash about her comeback, leaving some fans disappointed with her on-screen presence.
“I’ve got everything crossed for you.” #EastEnders, tomorrow at 7:30pm on @BBCOne and on @BBCiPlayer. pic.twitter.com/Iqx5o1iD8i
— BBC EastEnders (@bbceastenders) July 26, 2026
"There has been some disappointment backstage that the return was short-lived, as everyone loved Zoe Slater’s historic moments."
Discussing the reports, an EastEnders spokesperson said: "We can confirm Zoe Slater will be departing EastEnders later this year.
"We wish Michelle Ryan all the best for the future.
"However, we never comment on future storylines as we don’t want to spoil it for the viewers."
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