EastEnders legend reveals huge new role six months after quitting soap

AN EastEnders legend has revealed their huge new role just six months after quitting the BBC soap.

Charlie Brooks made a name for herself as evil Janine Butcher in EastEnders, but she’s now stepped away from Albert Square to pursue something new.

The 42-year-old temporarily departed from the role in September 2012 and returned in April 2013 before departing again in March 2014.

She then returned in 2021 as part of a “huge story,” but her 18-month contract for the role came to an explosive end in Christmas 2022.

Now, six months later, Charlie is starring in West End show The Ocean at the End of the Lane.

The talented star revealed the news on social media, as she called it a “childhood dream” to be taking part in the show.

Charlie wrote: “My childhood dream of being in the west end is going to happen, after 25 years in this industry and I can’t wait.

“I couldn’t have hoped for a more magical, meaningful, wild and wonderful production to be part of.”

The star shared a photo of the poster for the West End show, and she was praised in the comments by fans and friends.

One person wrote: “Congratulations!!! This is wonderful news,” and another added: “Congratulations Charlie…. You deserve it.”

A third said: “BEYOND PROUD,” and a fourth person penned: “Absolute superstar xxxxx”

After her departure from EastEnders in 2004, her first role was in the BBC drama Bleak House as Jenny.

She also narrates Botched Up Bodies on Channel 5, and has appeared in episodes of The Bill, London’s Burning, Jonathan Creek and The Demon Headmaster.

In 2021, she lead the cast of the Channel 5 drama Lie With Me.

In other work conquests, the actress revealed on This Morning in January 2023 that she has been working with Ann Summers for the past four years to come up with a new type of vibrator.