Charlie Brooks looks ready for her EastEnders comeback as she steps out holding script pages

EastEnders’ Charlie Brooks looks braced for her big Walford return as she steps out of a London hotel with scripts in hand

She’s known for playing the iconic EastEnder’s character Janine Butcher. 

And Charlie Brooks looked ready to return to Albert Square as she stepped out with pages of the soap’s script in her arms on Sunday. 

The actress, 40, went make-up free while leaving her hotel in London after spending three days in an isolation bubble ahead of shooting. 

Exciting: Charlie Brooks looked ready to return to Albert Square as she stepped out with pages of the soap’s script in her arms on Sunday

Charlie cut a casual figure in a baby pink linen shirt that she’d French tucked into a pair of black cuffed trousers. 

She strode towards her car in comfortable black Birkenstock sandals ahead of filming on the EastEnders’ set. 

She accessorised with a chic gold pendant necklace and let her hair fall naturally. 

The actress, who departed EastEnders in 2014, is set for a rollercoaster comeback, with bosses hinting she’ll take centre stage in the ‘biggest storyline of the year’.

Heading to the studio: The actress, 40, showcased her natural beauty as she went makeup free while leaving her hotel in London after spending three days in an isolation bubble

Heading to the studio: The actress, 40, showcased her natural beauty as she went makeup free while leaving her hotel in London after spending three days in an isolation bubble

Announcing the news, the bosses assured fans of the show that ‘drama and scandal’ are never far behind Janine, and she’ll make a stormy return to the soap in the coming months. 

Speaking about returning to the role, actress 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.  

Laidback: Charlie cut a casual figure in a baby pink linen shirt that she'd French tucked into a pair of black cuffed trousers

Laidback: Charlie cut a casual figure in a baby pink linen shirt that she’d French tucked into a pair of black cuffed trousers

‘Feels a bit like coming home. It’s good to be back.’

Jon Sen, executive producer for 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.’

Comeback: She accessorised with a chic gold pendant necklace and let her hair fall naturally in small curls as she left isolation to film

Comeback: She accessorised with a chic gold pendant necklace and let her hair fall naturally in small curls as she left isolation to film 

Appearing to provide a hint for fans about future story lines, he continued: ‘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…’

Viewers were quick to comment about their excitement for her return, with one writing: ‘SHE IS COMING TO SAVE 2021.’

Another said: ‘Omg we NEED Janine. The best character ever!.

One remarked: ‘yesss!!!! we’ve been waiting for this announcement. i’m so excited for her to come back.’ 

'Feels a bit like coming home. It’s good to be back': The actress departed EastEnders in 2014 and is set for a rollercoaster comeback with the 'biggest storyline of the year'

‘Feels a bit like coming home. It’s good to be back’: The actress departed EastEnders in 2014 and is set for a rollercoaster comeback with the ‘biggest storyline of the year’ 

Of her iconic character, Charlie added: ‘She’s good fun, I love Janine. I always wonder what she’s been up to. I think it’s really important to sympathise with your characters and for me, she became so layered.

‘I honestly believe she’s completely misunderstood in so many ways, although she does get more and more difficult to defend. But that is where all the juicy stuff is.’

Plot details of her return are not yet known, but Janine has been involved in her fair share of drama during her time on the soap, which first began in 1999.

Most notably, Janine married Barry Evans – played by Shaun Williamson – for his money before pushing him off a cliff.

Shocking: Janine has been involved in her fair share of drama during her time on the soap and famously married Barry Evans – played by Shaun Williamson – for his money before pushing him off a cliff

Shocking: Janine has been involved in her fair share of drama during her time on the soap and famously married Barry Evans – played by Shaun Williamson – for his money before pushing him off a cliff