Charlie Brooks taking break from EastEnders

Charlie Brooks is to take a six month break from EastEnders, according to reports.

Brooks, who plays scheming Janine Butcher, will leave later this year and is expected to return some time in 2013. The Sun claims that Brooks has signed up to take part in Strictly Come Dancing however this has not been confirmed.

“I’ve got six months off in August so we’re having the bump, but I won’t have to deal with prams and stuff in extra small doors on the set.” – Charlie Brooks quoted in The Sun

On-screen Janine is currently pregnant with Michael Moon’s Steve John Shepherd) baby but for Janine the path of true love has never run smoothly; her first husband Barry Evans (Shaun Williamson) died after plunging off a cliff in Scotland while more recent relationships include nasty Archie Mitchell (Larry Lamb) and Ryan Malloy (Neil McDermott).

Brooks has played the role of Janine since 1999.