Charlie Brooks is returning to EastEnders.

The 45-year-old actress has reprised her role as evil killer Janine Butcher and has already filmed scenes for an explosive autumn storyline, which could help kick off the events that will take place in the soap’s big Christmas Day (25.012.26) episode.

A source told The Sun on Sunday newspaper: “Janine’s appearance is going to blow the roof off Albert Square.”

But while Janine’s return will cause “chaos”, it seems Charlie isn’t back permanently.

The source said: “The bosses have several huge stories planned for this autumn, which will all start building towards Christmas.

“Although Charlie is only reprising her role as Janine for a couple of episodes this time around, her involvement is bound to cause plenty of drama.

“The plans are being kept top secret as they are really keen fans don’t have the storylines spoilt for them.

“But no doubt they are going to love seeing Janine back to cause chaos.”

Over the years, Janine has been responsible for the deaths of three people, most famously pushing her then-husband Barry Evans (Shaun Williamson) off a cliff on New Year’s Day 2004 and even though she was arrested, she was later released without charge because of a lack of evidence.

In 2009, she accidentally ran over Danielle Jones (Lauren Crace), and four years later she stabbed her ex-husband Michael Moon (Steve John Shepherd) to death, although she was later acquitted of his murder.

She was arrested in 2022 after fifth husband Mick Carter (Danny Dyer) supposedly drowned and was ultimately sentenced to five years in jail for perverting the course of justice by framing Mick’s ex-wife Linda Carter (Kellie Bright) for a drink-driving crash.

And Charlie recently teased the possibility of early release for her evil alter ego.

Asked whether she might “get out earlier” during an appearance on Good Morning Britain, she said: “We’ll have to see!”

Charlie first appeared in EastEnders in 1999 and was the third actress cast as Janine, who was introduced in 1989 and initially played by Rebecca Michael until 1993 before Alexia Demetriou took on the part for the next three years.

Last year, the actress paid tribute to the soap and her “misunderstood” character on EastEnders’ 40th anniversary.

She wrote on Instagram: “Happy 40th anniversary @bbceastenders

“Forever grateful for the opportunities Eastenders have given me. From being a huge fan watching it on my telly in my small home town in wales, to becoming Janine in all her brilliantly awful misunderstood glory [wink emoji]

“Congratulations EE. For continuing to produce fantastic work and telling important stories.

“Forever grateful [heart emoji].”(sic)