EastEnders star admits she’s ‘unemployed’ two years after quitting soap and love split

TV STAR Charlie Brooks has admitted to being “unemployed” two years after quitting EastEnders – and she loves it.

The actress, best known for playing Janine Butcher in EastEnders, took to Instagram to talk about life since leaving the BBC soap.

Sign up for the EastEnders newsletter

A woman takes a selfie in a mirror.

4

Charlie Brooks is best known for playing Janine Butcher in EastEndersCredit: Instagram

Janine Butcher and Scarlett Moon in a scene from EastEnders.

4

Charlie has admitted she has been “unemployed” for the last two yearsCredit: BBC

She wrote: “Life is good. As someone who is generally validated by work…Turns out being at home, chilling with my dog, taking long walks, reforming, reading…

“…and actually getting to hang out with my friends doing everything and nothing makes me really f***ing happy.”

Charlie left the soap in December 2022 and since then, she has been seen attending gigs and spending time with her family.

The 43-year-old actress portrayed the role of Janine Butcher on and off from 1999 until 2022.

The character was famed for killing Barry Evans back in 2004.

In scenes three years ago, Janine reignited her feud with Kat (Jessie Wallace) and Stacey (Lacey Turner), where Janine almost killed the former’s son in an accidental fire.

The character’s manipulative ways were also behind the split of Mick (Danny Dyer) and Linda Carter (Kellie Bright) as she wanted him all to herself.

In her exit storyline, she was arrested after driving a car off a cliff, which led to the supposed death of her newest husband Mick.

Outside of the soap, Charlie won the Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special in 2011 and took the title of Queen of the Jungle in the twelfth series of I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here! one year later in 2012.

Most recently, she appeared on the 17th series of Dancing On Ice at the start of the year, partnering with professional skater Eric Radford.

Charlie Brooks reflects on her acting career and starting out at 15

She was eliminated from the competition in the fifth week.

Back in February, Charlie also split from boyfriend James Fuller just weeks after they went public with their relationship.

Charlie is mum to 20-year-old daughter Kiki who she shares with Ibiza nightclub owner Tony Truman.

She and Tony split just two years after Kiki was born but they are on very good terms.Charlie previously revealed Tony lives in a flat above her and their daughter.

Charlie Brooks at the Devil Wears Prada musical premiere.

4

The 43-year-old appeared on Dancing On Ice at the start of the yearCredit: Getty

Charlie Brooks at the Dancing on Ice photocall.

4

Charlie was eliminated in the fifth week of Dancing On IceCredit: Getty

Related articles

EastEnders shock as Oscar attacks a major character – and more trouble follows

Oscar Branning has got himself in quite a situation (Picture: BBC) EastEnders newbie Oscar Branning (Pierre Moullier) lands himself in hot water next week when he attacks one of…

6 EastEnders spoilers next week: Alfie Moon finally returns and Oscar Branning goes on the attack

As Avani Nandra-Hart (Aaliyah James) makes a decision about her pregnancy, Suki Panesar-Unwin (Balvinder Sopal) steps in. Meanwhile, Nicola Mitchell (Laura Doddington) continues to worry about son…

Danny Dyer reveals what he would change about EastEnders stint

Former EastEnders star Danny Dyer is reuniting with an ex co-star on a new show, and said he would’ve wanted “more scenes” with her on the soap. Dyer, who…

EastEnders legend makes a shock return just days after quitting Walford – and he’s not alone

AN EASTENDERS legend made a shock return to the soap today – just days after quitting Walford. Nigel Bates – who is played by actor Paul Bradley in the BBC soap…

DANNY DYER REUNITES WITH EASTENDERS ICON IN DRAMATIC NEW ROLE

Danny Dyer’s return to TV with Mr Bigstuff brings thrills, stunts, and a reunion with a former EastEnders co-star! As he takes on the role of Lee in a chaotic brotherly…

HEARTBREAKING UPDATE!!! EastEnders’ Stacey receives bombshell Martin news in early iPlayer release

EastEnders spoilers follow for Wednesday’s episode (16 July), which is available to watch now on streaming service BBC iPlayer and hasn’t yet aired on TV. EastEnders’ Stacey…

You cannot copy content of this page