EastEnders super-bitch Janine Butcher returning to soap in bombshell comeback

EASTENDERS super-b*tch Janine Butcher is returning to the BBC soap, The Sun can reveal.

The legendary character, played by actress Charlie Brooks, will be part of a “huge story” later this year.

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EastEnders super-bitch Janine Butcher, played by actress Charlie Brooks, is returning to the BBC soapCredit: PA

Charlie, 39, is coming back as a full-time cast member more than seven years after her last stint as murderer Janine.

Charlie, who won the 2012 series of I’m A Celebrity, begins filming in the coming weeks, though it is not yet known if her character will be reformed.

Janine, first played by Charlie in 1999, is the troubled daughter of Frank, stepdaughter of Pat and sister of Ricky.

Three of her four husbands died, most famously Barry Evans — played by Shaun Williamson.

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Janine was first played by Charlie in 1999, pictured with Barbara Windsor as Peggy MitchellCredit: BBC

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Charlie won the 2012 series of I’m A CelebrityCredit: Brian Roberts – The Sun

An EastEnders source said: “Bosses have a huge story planned for Charlie’s return.

“They are keeping tight-lipped about whether Janine will come back as a reformed character after all the chaos she has caused in the past.

“But she certainly has a lot of history in Albert Square so whether she will be welcomed back with open arms or not remains to be seen.

“One thing the viewers can be sure about is that it is bound to be explosive. Wherever Janine goes, drama is never far behind.”

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It is not yet known if Janine will be a reformed characterCredit: Handout

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Janine married first husband Barry for his money, before pushing him off a cliff

Janine married first husband Barry for his money, then pushed him off a cliff in Scotland.

Next came a dramatic marriage to a rich elderly Jewish businessman called David, who died of a heart attack at the ceremony.

Janine also tied the knot with Ryan Malloy, who she tried to kill too.

She was unsuccessful but attempted to frame arch-rival Stacey Slater for the crime.

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Janine also tied the knot with Ryan Malloy, who she tried to kill tooCredit: BBC

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Janine killed fourth husband Michael Moon, who she had baby Scarlett withCredit: Handout

Other explosive storylines over the years include prostitution and drug addiction, and an attempt to defraud the Mitchells.

Janine did kill fourth husband Michael Moon but was found not guilty in court — leading to her being shunned by locals.

Her final on-screen appearance in 2014 showed her at St Pancras station heading for France.

There she hoped to reunite with her daughter Scarlett.

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Charlie, 39, is coming back as a full-time cast memberCredit: Rex Features

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EastEnders bosses are said to have ‘a huge story’ planned for Charlie’s returnCredit: Nick Obank – The Sun

The source added: “The potential for Janine is huge.

“She has enemies all around the Square who she’d gladly go to war with, and she’s shown before she isn’t afraid to kill to get her way.

“It could have huge repercussions for some of the big names in EastEnders.

“She’s not going to come back and play nice.”

2003

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Janine weds Barry Evans to get his inheritance, then kills him by pushing him off a cliffCredit: BBC 2004

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She had a fight with enemy Laura Beale in the street and is then charged with her murderCredit: BBC 2008

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Janine tries to marry an OAP for his money but the groom drops dead at the weddingCredit: BBC 2009

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Stepmum Pat Butcher slams a portrait of Janine’s dad Frank over her head during a rowCredit: BBC 2014

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Leaves Walford after being found not guilty of murdering her husband Michael Moon

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