EastEnders Janine’s return ‘sealed’ in revenge twist as comeback set to ‘shake things up’
EastEnders fans haven't seen Janine Butcher since she was sent to prison at the end of 2022 but the mention of her son has led to speculation that she could be returning
A return could be on the cards for EastEnders’ Janine Butcher, AI predicts.
The soap icon, played by Charlie Brooks, was last seen on Boxing Day in 2022 after a dramatic showdown with husband Mick Carter (Danny Dyer). When Mick discovered Janine framed Linda (Kellie Bright) for a car accident which almost killed them both and baby Annie, he vowed to turn her into the police.
As Janine attempted to evade capture, her car plummeted off the edge of a cliff with Linda inside and subsequently led to Mick’s apparent death. Janine was arrested for perverting the course of justice and was sentenced to five years in prison.
Pregnant with Mick’s child at the time, it was revealed Janine gave birth to a baby boy in prison in June 2023. Despite Linda trying to move forward with her life, she is reminded of Janine during Wednesday’s episode (January 31) of the BBC soap.
She is shaken when Ricky (Sid Owen) sends a photograph of Mick and Janine’s unnamed son. With Janine still haunting Linda, Daily Star has quizzed one of the world’s most popular artificially intelligent “creative” tools Bard AI to see if she could return to Albert Square.
The program responded: “Despite her departure, Brooks has hinted that she wouldn’t be opposed to returning to the show in the future. In an interview with The Sun, she said, “She is always fun to play and I’m always interested in what she’s doing and what’s she’s up to, so there’s always a possibility.”
It continued: ” EastEnders producers have also remained tight-lipped about Janine’s future. When asked about the possibility of her return, an executive producer for the show simply said, ‘Never say never’.”
Janine, who first appeared on the Square in 1999, became known for her scheming and devious ways. Touching upon whether the character could have revenge in her sights, the program added: “The fiery Janine Butcher’s return to Walford for revenge is a tantalizing prospect that would certainly shake things up in EastEnders.”
However, the system pointed out that prison could have made her change her ways. “Instead of targeting others, Janine could use her anger and hurt as fuel for personal growth,” it said. “She could confront her past mistakes, seek redemption, and even become an unlikely ally to someone in need. This shift would offer a more nuanced and potentially redemptive arc for the character.”
