Charlie Brooks, famed for her portrayal of the notorious Janine Butcher in EastEnders, is set to dazzle audiences on the ice in the forthcoming series of Dancing on Ice.
Skating alongside the likes ofOlympic champion Eric Radford, TOWIE stars Dan Edger, Ferne McCann and Coronation Street actor Sam Aston, Charlie expressed both excitement and apprehension about the new venture.
She shared in a recent interview: “I’ve always loved pushing myself into new spaces, and this is such a unique opportunity.”
Despite her high-profile role, Charlie leads an intriguing life beyond the spotlight, engaging in various pursuits that might surprise her fans.
Early life
(Image: WireImage)
Born on May 3, 1981, in Ware, Hertfordshire, Charlie spent her childhood in the coastal town of Barmouth, Gwynedd. Her early passion for acting led her to study at Ravenscourt Theatre School in London, where she refined her skills in anticipation of a future on stage and screen.
Her acting journey began with minor parts in well-known British television series such as The Bill, London’s Burning, and Jonathan Creek. It was her breakthrough as Janine Butcher in EastEnders in 1999, however, that shot her to fame.
As Janine, Charlie became one of the most unforgettable and conniving figures in the soap opera world, securing numerous awards for her compelling performances, reports the Manchester Evening News.
Life beyond EastEnders
(Image: Dave J Hogan/Getty Images)
Beyond the confines of Albert Square, Charlie has demonstrated a versatile career, not limited to her iconic EastEnders character.
After leaving EastEnders in 2004 to pursue different avenues, including stage roles in productions such as 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, demonstrating her range as an actress.
Charlie Brooks has also ventured into reality television, notably clinching victory in the twelfth series of I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here! back in 2012.
Her latest stint on EastEnders in 2021 saw her character embroiled in Janine’s notorious plots, culminating in a jaw-dropping cliffhanger departure. She left the show once more in 2022, yet hinted at the possibility of making a comeback.
Personal Life
(Image: charliebrooks81/TikTok)
Charlie is a mother to her teenage daughter Kiki, whom she shares with ex-partner Tony Truman. She frequently discusses how she juggles her acting career with being a parent, always putting Kiki first.
More recently, Charlie has been candid about her blossoming relationship with television producer James Fuller, who she met during her time preparing for Dancing on Ice.
Participating in the show taught her valuable lessons in trust and opening up emotionally. In various interviews, she has acknowledged her personal growth journey, stating, “It’s been a journey of discovery, and I feel stronger than ever.”
Sex toy business
(Image: Getty Images)
Beyond her work on screen, Charlie has emerged as a shrewd businesswoman.
In 2020, she unveiled her own sex toy brand, I Am Arla, with the aim of empowering women to explore their sexuality and challenge societal norms around intimacy.
The brand is inspired by her own journey of developing self-love and acceptance. The idea was to open a conversation around female pleasure and self-care that would be both empowering and inclusive for women, the founder said.
She said: I wanted to create something that felt classy, comfortable, and gave women the confidence to own their sexuality. She has received praise for its focus on body positivity and its commitment to breaking down stigmas.
The founder believes that female wellness and sexuality shouldnt be a taboo topic and that discussions around it should be normalised, 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 and ITVX
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