'EastEnders' Charlie Brooks: 'Janine shouldn't change'

Published Jun 18 2012, 17:00 BST  |  By Daniel Kilkelly

EastEnders star Charlie Brooks has admitted that she does not want her character Janine Butcher to change her ways when she becomes a mother.

Janine discovered that she is pregnant with partner Michael Moon's baby late last year and viewers will see her go into labour several weeks early in the coming days.



Brooks told The Mirror of Janine's storyline: "She is definitely a reluctant expectant mother. Janine knows she doesn't have a maternal bone in her body. It will be interesting as she has never experienced unconditional love before."

Asked whether Janine will become mellower following the baby's arrival, she replied: "I certainly hope not! I love playing Janine as a Cruella de Vil character. It's fun to be able to indulge in awful behaviour you just couldn't get away with in normal life.

"Lots of people tell me that Janine and Michael are the most evil couple in soapland. I love Steve John Shepherd being my EastEnders fiancé, as we've hit a nice stride and get on really well."



Brooks also expressed her belief that Janine and Michael's journey is a "love story".

She said: "Obviously Janine has elements of doubt about Michael's motives, hence the pre-nup.

"I think he was initially only interested in Janine because she is rich, but maybe his outlook changes in the future and his true feelings for Janine take him by surprise. This is ultimately a big love story."

EastEnders fans will see Janine and Michael's wedding episode later this week.