Janine Butcher, played by Charlie Brooks, has made a dramatic return to EastEnders for on-location funeral scenes, four years after her last appearance. The scenes depict Linda Carter, played by Kellie Bright, coming face-to-face with her nemesis Janine for the first time since Mick Carter vanished. An argument erupts between the former love rivals, with Max Branning, played by Jake Wood, intervening.
Janine's Return and the Funeral Confrontation
Janine, as viewers will recall, made Linda's life a living hell, causing her to relapse before seducing her lifelong soulmate Mick. The situation escalated dramatically when Janine had a car accident with a drunk Linda in the passenger seat and, in a bid to cover up the incident, she moved her love rival into the driver's side while she was out cold. The truth of her scheming was exposed at Christmas 2022, just hours after Mick had tied the knot with Janine.
Mick struggled to get his head around who Janine really was, as the scales finally fell from his eyes. In emotional scenes, Mick reunited with Linda and they gave chase when a vengeful Janine tried to escape. Tragedy struck, however, when Janine drove her car off a cliffside with Linda trapped inside. Mick jumped into the watery depths to rescue his beloved Linda but never returned, much to the devastation of Linda, who was forced to accept that she lost the love of her life for good. Janine was subsequently arrested and put in prison.
Impact on Linda's Life and the Upcoming Storyline
The show's resident schemer obliterated life for Linda as she knew it, with mother-in-law Shirley, played by Linda Henry, so devastated by the loss of Mick that she subsequently departed Walford. In the years since Janine's incarceration, Linda has attempted to rebuild her life, welcoming her mother Elaine Peacock, played by Harriet Thorpe, back to the Square and, after a stint running the Vic with her, the pair set up their own Bed and Breakfast.
But her world will be turned on its axis once more as it was revealed earlier this year that Janine would be making a comeback as part of a story that would 'blow the roof off Albert Square.' As for what that storyline is remains under wraps, but new on-location filming pictures confirmed that star Charlie Brooks, who has played Janine on and off since 1999, has reprised her role and started shooting. Kellie Bright was also pictured as Linda and Janine come face-to-face once more, and Max gets involved too.
Kellie Bright's Departure Confirmed
It was confirmed earlier this month that show legend Kellie, who has played former landlady Linda since 2013, would depart Walford after 13 years. 'EastEnders has been my home for thirteen years and I have absolutely loved being part of the show, but I have decided that it is now the right time for me to say goodbye,' said Kellie, discussing her decision to leave. 'I made the tough decision over a year ago, and after discussing this with Kate Oates and Ben Wadey, they asked me to stay on to be part of an exciting storyline they had planned, and I happily agreed to extend my stay. I will miss my friends and colleagues hugely, but I am looking forward to my next chapter and spending more time with my wonderful boys.'
EastEnders airs Mondays to Thursdays at 7:30pm on BBC One or streams from 6am on BBC iPlayer.
