Dancing on Ice star Charlie Brooks' life - from EastEnders role to sex toys
Charlie Brooks is best known for playing Janine Butcher on EastEnders, but away from Albert Square, the actress has had a varied career and personal life, including a sex toy business
Charlie Brooks is best known for playing Janine Butcher on EastEnders, but away from Albert Square, the actress has had a varied career and personal life, including a sex toy businessVideo Loading
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Charlie Brooks and Kiki Truman recreates Barry's murder on TikTok
Charlie Brooks, famed for her portrayal of the notorious Janine Butcher in EastEnders, is set to dazzle viewers as she joins the cast of Dancing on Ice, skating alongside Olympic champ Eric Radford.
Partnered with Olympic skating champ Eric Radford, Charlie has already hinted at her excitement and nerves about the skating challenge.
The soap star has expressed both excitement and jitters about her new icy adventure, saying in a recent chat: "I've always loved pushing myself into new spaces, and this is such a unique opportunity."
But Charlie's life off-screen is just as intriguing, with a string of ventures that might surprise her fans.
Early life
EastEnders icon Charlie Brooks has been known to cause havoc playing the role of Janine (
Image:
BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron)
Born on May 3, 1981, in Ware, Hertfordshire, Charlie spent her childhood in the coastal town of Barmouth, Gwynedd, where her acting ambitions took root early on.
She polished her skills at Ravenscourt Theatre School in London, setting the stage for a future in showbiz.
Her journey to fame began with minor parts in beloved British series like The Bill, London's Burning, and Jonathan Creek. Yet, it was her 1999 debut as Janine Butcher in EastEnders that shot her to fame, turning Janine into one of the most unforgettable and conniving figures on the Square and bagging Charlie a host of awards for her captivating performances.
Life beyond EastEnders
Charlie will be strutting her stuff on Dancing on Ice (
Image:
WireImage)
Despite being synonymous with her EastEnders character, Charlie Brooks' career spans a variety of roles, proving she's anything but a one-trick pony, reports th e Manchester Evening News.
After leaving EastEnders in 2004 to pursue new ventures, including stage roles in productions like Office Games and Our Country's Good, she took on the iconic role of the Childcatcher in the West End production of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, proving her diverse acting chops.
Charlie Brooks didn't just stick to acting; she conquered reality TV by winning the twelfth series of I'm a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here!in 2012.
Her comeback to Albert Square in 2021 was nothing short of explosive, with Janine's notorious antics leading to a jaw-dropping cliffhanger. Although she waved goodbye to the soap in 2022, fans are left wondering if she'll make another dramatic return.
Family life
Charlie Brooks has one daughter named Kiki (
Image:
charliebrooks81/TikTok)
Off-screen, Charlie is a devoted mum to her teenage daughter Kiki, whose father is Tony Truman. She's candid about juggling motherhood with her career, always putting Kiki first.
Love bloomed for Charlie when she met TV producer James Fuller during her stint on Dancing on Ice. The experience wasn't just about skating; it taught her valuable lessons in trust and vulnerability.
She's openly thankful for the personal growth she's experienced, declaring, "It's been a journey of discovery, and I feel stronger than ever."
Sex toy venture
Charlie has her own sex toy brand (
Image:
Getty Images)
Charlie isn't just a talented actress and reality star; she's also a businesswoman. In 2020, she launched her own sex toy brand, I Am Arla, aimed at empowering women to explore their sexuality and shatter intimacy taboos.
The actress has opened up about the personal journey that led to the creation of her brand, which is rooted in self-love and acceptance. She's on a mission to kickstart conversations around women's pleasure and self-care in an empowering and inclusive manner.
She previously shared: "I wanted to create something that felt classy, comfortable, and gave women the confidence to own their sexuality."
Her brand has earned accolades for its chic design, commitment to body positivity, and efforts to dismantle stigmas.
Charlie has been vocal about the need to normalize conversations concerning sexual health and well-being, asserting, "Women should never feel ashamed about taking charge of their pleasure-it's a part of who we are."
Dancing on Ice airs Sundays on ITV1