ACTRESS Charlie Brooks is leaving EastEnders again — following fellow big name Danny Dyer out of Albert Square.
She has decided to go at the end of her contract — 18 months after her dramatic return as Janine Butcher.
Charlie, 41, who has played the soap villain on and off since 1999, will film her explosive exit this year.
Her final scenes are expected to air over the New Year period.
Speaking exclusively to The Sun on Sunday, Charlie said: “I was only ever due back to EastEnders for a year, but when [exec producer] Chris Clenshaw presented me with his idea for the story, I couldn’t say no to staying a little longer.
“I’ve had an amazing time, as I always do when I go back.
“But as always with Janine, she probably should not outstay her welcome — for everyone’s sake.”
Bosses have pulled out all the stops to make sure Janine’s exit is a corker.
They are even bringing back on-screen brother Ricky — 50-year-old Sid Owen — for the storyline. He was last seen in Albert Square ten years ago.
A source said: “Bosses are staying tight-lipped about her dramatic exit, but massive stories are planned for the rest of the year and for 2023.”
This week, viewers saw Janine discover she is pregnant by Mick Carter, played by Dyer, 45, who is also leaving this year.
It came just as his estranged wife Linda — played by Kellie Bright, 46 — declared her love for the Queen Vic landlord.
And to add to the drama, Mick and Linda have no idea scheming Janine crashed her car and placed an unconscious Linda in the driver’s seat before fleeing the scene, leaving her to take the blame.
Linda was left in a coma and was prosecuted for drink-driving.
Our source added: “There’s a lot to play out before Charlie’s big exit.
We all know what Janine is capable of, so viewers can expect lots of drama.”
Charlie first appeared in Albert Square as Janine — daughter of Frank Butcher, played by the late Mike Reid — back in 1999.
Janine famously killed husband Barry Evans, played by Shaun Williamson, 56, in 2004 by pushing him off a cliff.
Charlie won I’m A Celeb in 2012, and was in Channel 5 drama Lie With Me.
