'Enders star to 'take a break'

Actress Charlie Brooks will take six months off from the soap...

11:04 17 February 2012

EastEnders actress Charlie Brooks has announced that she will take a six-month break from the soap.

The actress, who plays Janine Butcher, will film her exit scenes in August before taking six months off from the show. 

Asked what is coming up for her on EastEnders, Brooks told The Sun:

"Baby. I think that's about all I can say really, as that's all I know.

"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."

It has been claimed that the break is to enable Brooks to participate in the next series of Strictly Come Dancing. The actress won the Christmas special two months ago.

A BBC source reportedly told the tabloid:

"It's more or less a done deal. Charlie would be a dream signing for Strictly. She's high-profile and popular and judging by the Christmas special, she has natural ability.”

An EastEnders spokesperson told entertainment news website Digital Spy:

"Charlie will be taking a break from EastEnders later this year. Over the coming weeks, Michael will propose to Janine, but who knows if she'll accept? 

"In typical Janine style, there'll be a lot of unexpected twists and turns during the next few months and the story is bound to be explosive."

An East Enders insider also added:

"Bosses are keeping tight-lipped about what the future holds for Janine and Michael and whether they'll ride off into the sunset together or not.”