Charlie Brooks has revealed her secret career venture after leaving EastEnders, collaborating with Ann Summers to create a sex toy.
The 41-year-old actress left EastEnders in explosive scenes at the end of last year as her villainous character Janine Butcher was involved in Mick Carter's disappearance in explosive Christmas scenes.
The shocking Christmas Day episode saw Mick, played by Danny Dyer, swim out to sea to try and save Janine and his childhood sweetheart Linda – after Janine drove the pair off a clifftop and into freezing waters – and get lost at sea in his own soap exit.
Janine was later arrested for perverting the course of justice after she framed Linda for a car crash earlier in the year.
The exit marks Charlie's fourth exit from the soap – leaving her with time to embark on new ventures. However, she did hint at another return to the soap.
Speaking on This Morning, Charlie teased: "I think she can be a useful tool and cause some explosions and go there again."
Today, Charlie also announced that while she was on the soap stirring things up on Albert Square, she had also been working on a secret project.
Charlie teamed up with Ann Summers to design the vibrator, called The U.
Actress Charlie took the idea for her sex toy to Ann Summers back in 2019 after seeing a gap in the market. The brand was later launched in January 2022 – but Charlie's involvement in the project was kept underwaps, until now.
The U, which retails at £100, is described as "not just a vibrator" as it encourages users to "g et deeply intimate with yourself and your body".
Alongside the toy, a range of products were also released and the toy event won an award for the best 'multi-use toy' at the Cosmopolitan Good Vibes Sex Toy Awards.
After keeping her involvement in the project was revealed, Charlie shared a montage video of her journey with the project on her Instagram page.
She said: "So. The secret is out. I designed a vibrator. I know. Wild.
"Battled through a lot of everything to get this to you today. 4 years in the making."
Explaining her journey, she added: "I started from where I was. Ordered sone clay. Talked to friends, product designers, anyone who knew anyone who might help.
"I reached out. It’s Called The U. And it’s all about U. It’s won a f***** award! It has new tech, @jacquelinegoldcbe of Ann Summers has backed me and I couldn’t be more grateful and proud.
"@annsummers were in total alignment with my vision for this product, which is so much more than just a vibrator."
The actress added of her design: "It’s about a somebody who wants to see what else they can do, battle through their own fear and self doubt, be curious and learn more about their self, body and mind.
"Somebody who wants to be fearless and unafraid to try something new. It’s about connection.
"To ourselves, because when we know and love ourselves we can connect with and show up for other people in the best possible way. It’s about giving ourselves time.
"I was fed up of not feeling comfortable in my body. Realised I didn’t know enough about it, so I went on a journey of the body and mind .
"It’s a powerful one, and I’d love U to go on one too. I’m no life coach or expert on ANYTHING, and I do NOT always get it right.
"But I can share my experience. And maybe you’ll be inspired too. This is my baby…I’m so happy I can finally introduce you guys. I want you to meet U. I think you might like each other…"
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