Charlie Brooks returns to Eastenders as TV stunt involving her daughter deemed exploitative

Charlie Brooks is preparing to return to Albert Square next week as her character Janine takes on estranged husband Michael in a battle for custody of their baby.

charlie

by Closer staff |
Published on

Speaking on ITV show This Morning, the actress said of Janine's return: 

“She means business this time - she's dressed with powerful boots and a coat."

“I always have sympathised with Janine as a character, and I think it's important as an actress to have that”

Charlie Brooks on This Morning
Charlie Brooks on This Morning

The actress said that her character needed the time away from the square because "she was traumatised, I think, by the slight mental abuse that Michael put her through before she went, with the premature baby and everything else.”

Charlie added: "She wasn't ready for parenthood. I don't think she had a partner she could trust or rely on. He didn't support her in any way and made her feel like a terrible mother. I think that caused a lot of anxiety and post-natal depression."

Queen of the jungle

Having had her first appearance on the soap more than 13 years ago, Charlie said that she feels for Janine: “I always have sympathised with Janine as a character, and I think it's important as an actress to have that.” she said.

The actress, who is going on a five-day charity trek in Jordan next week, has hit headlines for other reasons this week as ITV were rapped by Ofcom for effectively using her daughter Kiki as a prize during last year’s ‘I’m A Celebrity’ series.

[ASSETHERE=image]

In the task, which Ofcom deemed "exploitative," Charlie became upset when she was made to choose from several doors with treats behind them, not knowing that Kiki, who she had not seen in 18 days, was behind one of the doors.

There were complaints after the actress - who went on to win the show - failed to pick the seven year-old’s door.

Just so you know, we may receive a commission or other compensation from the links on this website - read why you should trust us