EastEnders icon reveals they’ve landed a huge ‘dream’ role six months after leaving the BBC soap

An EastEnders icon has revealed they’ve landed a huge new role, six months after leaving the BBC soap.

Charlie Brooks made an explosive exit from the soap over Christmas after her devious character Janine Butcher was thrown into jail for going on the run after it was revealed she was responsible for Linda’s drink-drive crash.

And after saying goodbye to Janine once more, Charlie, 42, has announced that she’s now landed a ‘dream’ role in the West End.

The actress will be starring in a production of The Ocean at the End of the Lane – a theatre adaption of Neil Gaiman’s fantasy novel.

Confirming the exciting news on Instagram on Tuesday, Charlie shared: ‘My childhood dream of being in the west end is going to happen, after 25 years in this industry and I can’t wait.

Exciting news: After saying goodbye to Janine once more, Charlie Brooks, 42, has announced that she’s now landed a ‘dream’ role in the West End

Gone: Charlie made an explosive exit from the soap over Christmas after her devious character Janine Butcher was thrown into jail for going on the run after it was revealed she was responsible for Linda’s drink-drive crash

‘I couldn’t have hoped for a more magical, meaningful, wild and wonderful production to be part of.’

Her post was flooded with several congratulatory comments from her fans and showbiz pals.

Fellow soap star Claire Sweeney shared: ‘Fantastic news well done xxxxx.’

Former Footballers’ Wives star Cristian Solimeno penned: ‘Congratulations!!! This is wonderful news.’

With presenter Kate Thornton simply adding: ‘congratulations.’ 

The star also shared her joy on her stories, writing over a snap of author Neil Gaiman: ‘@oceanonstage has been tranferred to west end! I couldn’t be more proud and happy to be part of this amazing production.

‘Look out London…. here we come. WOOHOO!’ 

Charlie joins the cast of the National Theatre production when it returns to London’s West End in October following a UK tour. 

New project: The actress will be starring in a production of The Ocean at the End of the Lane – a theatre adaption of Neil Gaiman’s fantasy novel

Thrilled: Confirming the news on Instagram on Tuesday, Charlie shared: ‘My childhood dream of being in the west end is going to happen, after 25 years in this industry and I can’t wait

Support; Her post was flooded with several congratulatory comments from her fans and showbiz pals

Chuffed: The star also shared her joy on her stories, writing over a snap of author Neil Gaiman: ‘@oceanonstage has been tranferred to west end! I couldn’t be more proud and happy to be part of this amazing production’

Charlie, who has played Janine in EastEnders on-and-off since 1999, previously joked that the local ‘shouldn’t outstay her welcome’ in the square.

Speaking to the Sun on Sunday ahead of her departure, she shared that she was only ever meant to stay for a set amount of time, but extended the stint.

‘I was only ever due back to EastEnders for a year, but when [exec producer] Chris Clenshaw presented me with his idea for the story, I couldn’t say no to staying a little longer,’ said Charlie.

Continuing: ‘I’ve had an amazing time, as I always do when I go back. But as always with Janine, she probably should not outstay her welcome — for everyone’s sake.’