June 9th 2024.
Charlie Brooks is a well-known actress, most notably for her role as the stone-cold villainess Janine Butcher in EastEnders. Her portrayal of Janine is nothing short of evil genius, making her one of the most memorable characters on the show. With a kill count that ranks fourth on the Square, just behind the infamous Nasty Nick Cotton, it's safe to say that Charlie has perfected the art of playing a villain.
But now, she's taking on a new challenge - the role of The Childcatcher in the stage adaptation of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. In an interview for this week's 60 Seconds, the 43-year-old talks about her latest role, the future of soaps, and her personal journey. The Childcatcher is a notoriously terrifying character, and Charlie is determined to bring her own spin to the role.
When asked about what makes her version of The Childcatcher extra scary, Charlie reveals that she's using the societal stereotype of women as nurturing and safe to her advantage. She believes that having a woman as a kidnapper is already unsettling, and she's leaning into the character's obsession with the scent of children to make her even more terrifying.
Playing The Childcatcher has been one of the biggest challenges for Charlie, especially since she has to sing in one of the scenes. Despite her fear of singing, she's pushing through and having fun with it now. And while she may not have the vocal range of Sarah Brightman, she's confident in her ability to deliver a talky song.
Switching gears to her previous role as Ursula in The Ocean At The End Of The Lane, it's clear that Charlie has a talent for playing villains. However, she explains that she's not tired of being the bad guy because she finds these roles more interesting. She enjoys exploring the motives behind their actions and finding empathy for characters that may not be likable.
As for her infamous character Janine, who is currently serving a five-year jail sentence on the show, Charlie is unsure if she'll make a comeback in the future. She admits that she's unsure of the future of soap operas and how people consume TV nowadays. But she never says never when it comes to Janine, as EastEnders will always hold a special place in her heart and she loves going back to the show.
When asked about her funniest fan encounter, Charlie shares a witty anecdote about someone giving her a Bible and saying, "God help you, Janine." She also reflects on reaching 40 and how it has been a turning point in her life. While it's been a bit of a rollercoaster, she's made significant changes that have helped her grow as a person, and she believes her best years are still ahead of her.
One of the major changes Charlie has made is giving up alcohol. She explains that it was a challenging process, especially since she was attached to the "fun" and outgoing persona she had when she drank. But now, she's more comfortable in her own skin and has found that she's more introverted than she thought.
As for her career aspirations, Charlie admits that she's always wanted to do more theatre work, despite the fear and nerves it brings. She's also interested in working with new writers and taking on a strong female lead in a show similar to Game of Thrones. And while she may have won I'm a Celebrity back in 2012, she's not too keen on doing any other reality shows, as she believes she would be terrible at them.
Overall, Charlie is excited about her current role in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and is looking forward to future projects in both theatre and on screen. Her journey as an actress has been filled with challenges and growth, and she's grateful for every opportunity that has come her way. Chitty Chitty Bang Bang is currently on tour, and tickets are available for those who want to see Charlie in action as The Childcatcher.
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