Janine Butcher, one of soap opera's most iconic villains, has a history of murder, manipulation, and mayhem on EastEnders. Played by Charlie Brooks, the character returns to Albert Square after a five-year prison sentence for perverting the course of justice. Here is a complete timeline of her most shocking acts.
Early Life and Abandonment
Janine was introduced as the daughter of Frank Butcher, who abandoned her with Pat. Frank returned two years later and moved her to Manchester, only to abandon her again. When she followed him back to Walford, her anger and pain crystallized into a cruel streak. After Frank left a third time, Janine was homeless.
Prostitution and Cocaine Addiction
Taken in by Terry Raymond, Janine manipulated, scammed, and attempted to seduce him. When Terry was beaten by a drug dealer feeding Janine's cocaine habit, he left. Janine turned to prostitution, blackmailing Ian Beale after he used her services. Ian's wife Laura threw boiling milk in Janine's face, leaving her agoraphobic and eating dog food. Billy Mitchell helped her recover.
Marrying and Killing Barry Evans
Janine seduced Barry Evans, marrying him under the false belief he had a fatal heart murmur. When it was a false alarm, she pushed him off a cliff in Scotland. Finding him barely alive, she ignored his pleas, saying, 'Memories are better.' She inherited his money and business, then feuded with Laura Beale. After a fight, Laura fell down stairs and died. Janine was arrested but fled court after Pat provided an alibi.
Judith Bernstein and Michael Moon
Janine reappeared masquerading as Jewish orphan Judith Bernstein, attempting to marry an elderly wealthy man. Pat exposed her, and the man died of a heart attack. Janine returned to Walford and accidentally killed Danielle Jones by running her over. She allied with Archie Mitchell, blackmailed Ian Beale, and began a relationship with Ryan Malloy. She tried to kill Ryan and framed Stacey Slater for a stabbing she inflicted on herself. After inheriting a million pounds, she entered a toxic relationship with Michael Moon, giving birth to Scarlett. Alice Branning stabbed Michael in self-defense, but Janine stabbed him again to finish him. She tried to blackmail David Wicks, but a recording led to her arrest. At trial, she admitted killing Michael in self-defense, and both she and Alice were acquitted.
Destroying the Carters
Janine's fourth stint began when Scarlett contacted Tommy Moon. Janine resurrected her Judith Bernstein persona, but Kat gained custody of Scarlett. Janine set her sights on Mick Carter, manipulating him and his wife Linda. She preyed on Linda's alcoholism, drove her away, crashed into a tree, and framed Linda for drink-driving. Pregnant, Janine became engaged to Mick. On Boxing Day, Scarlett exposed Janine's plot. Janine fled, and a struggle with Linda caused the car to go over a cliff. Mick rescued Janine but disappeared in the water. Janine was arrested and sentenced to five years for perverting the course of justice, giving birth to a son, Mick Jr.
Why Is Janine Returning?
With no family left, Janine's return raises questions. Will she seek revenge on Linda? Or does her return involve the mystery of Mick's fate? Janine holds the key to what happened to Mick, and her presence could bring answers—or more chaos.
