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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Entertainment
Sam Elliott-Gibbs

EastEnders icon Charlie Brooks unrecognisable after swapping Albert Square for studies

Charlie Brooks had EastEnders fans playing Guess Who after uploading an unrecognisable post Albert Square selfie.

The actress has paused her career to head to university but it's not exactly going to plan if her desperate plea is anything to go by.

Charlie, soap super bitch Janine Butcher since 1999, told her followers she was struggling with her studies - and needed a new brain.

Rocking a fringe and thick glasses, she flashed a worried look to the camera after admitting she was well behind on her work.

She is studying arts and languages and is determined to get qualified - despite the set-back.

Her life is gone in a new and exciting direction after leaving EastEnders (charlie_brooks_xx/Instagram)

The 41-year-old mature student wrote: “I am SO far behind on uni work. Self discipline is NOT my fortè. SEND HELP. And a new brain that understands s**t better. Please and thank you.”

Her followers know she'll smash it.

“The love and admiration for you is palpable. YOU GOT THIS,” one told her.

“U can do this just stay positive and focused,” another said.

Charlie returned to education by embarking on an Open University course.

She swapped being the Square super bitch for the books! (BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron)

She told The Sunday Post all about it but won't be giving up on acting.

“I never went to university, and I think that led to my inability to trust my own opinions in the past and not ever feel clever enough, so I decided to do something about it and I’m doing an Open University course," she said.

“I find it quite fascinating. I’m at the beginning stages; I’m learning how to learn. I’m doing my best and it’s exciting times.”

She returned to Albert Square for a third time last year - and hasn't ruled out a fourth stint.

She told The Sun on Sunday: “I was only ever due back for a year, but when [exec producer] Chris Clenshaw presented me with his idea for the story, I couldn’t say no to staying a little longer.

She is also releasing line of sex toys with one named after Janine! (charlie_brooks_xx/Instagram)

“I’ve had an amazing time, as I always do when I go back.

“But as always with Janine, she probably should not outstay her welcome, for everyone’s sake.”

There was of course Christmas drama as Janine was involved in the death of landlord Mick Carter.

Addressing her comeback, Charlie said on This Morning : "I've had the best year and a half getting back into Janine's shoes.

"She's so fun to play, but I also love playing all the vulnerable stuff with Janine as well. I'm an actress, so I want to do everything. But, yeah, it is hard.

"I also feel like if she was to stay in the show, the character might not be as strong somehow. I wouldn't want her to be diluted because she is so full-on, she's so dramatic, but I always feel like there's more to know, which is a really good place to be with a character.

"If something feels quite layered, quite complex, it always stays interesting and luckily for me, Janine has remained that way.

"But I always say, ‘Never say never’. EastEnders is home to me, and I've had a fantastic time, so I'd be open to a return for sure."

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