EastEnders’ Charlie Brooks in such agony she ‘wanted to chop own leg off’

| Soaps Editor and Editorial Training Manager Published October 29, 2026 10:52am Updated October 29, 2026 10:52am Charlie Brooks has opened up on the agony she endured (Picture: ITV/Shutterstock) EastEnders icon Charlie Brooks is considering surgery after hip pain left her in so much agony she had thoughts of ‘sawing her own leg off.’ The actress, best known for her role as returning villain Janine Butcher, is currently attempting to keep the condition at bay with weight training, and has opened up about feeling stronger and mentally more at peace since professionals introduced her to the concept of the specialised exercises. She told the new issue of Closer magazine: ‘Two years ago, my hip was so painful I wanted to chop my own leg off. ‘I might have to have a hip replacement at some point, but for now I’m keeping it at bay.’ The 45-year-old I’m A Celebrity winner, enthused that she feels much healthier than ten years ago, and does her training four days a week, despite always fearing the weights section at the gym. ‘The surgeon said it’s all about loading it up with weights, so that’s what I’ve done. ‘I feel stronger, I feel more energised and healthier in my mind. Charlie relies on exercise to keep her ‘dodgy hip’ at bay (Picture: Getty for Let’s Move!) To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video ‘As you progress, you can lift heavier, you can do more reps, and you feel yourself getting stronger. When you see your muscles growing and your body changing, that’s a massive motivator. ‘I miss running, which I used to do all the time, but now I can’t because I’ve got the dodgy hip, so I weight train and walk 10,000 steps a day – getting my dog Flo really helped with that.’ Ask Metro Use AI to go deeper into the stories you care about – powered by Metro and trusted publications. As Charlie gets on top of her health and wellbeing, zen will be the last thing she will bring to Walford as a smirking Janine lands back on the Square next month. She was seen filming at a funeral and causing aggro with Linda Carter (Kellie Bright). Janine is soon back in Walford to cause more carnage (Picture: BBC) Last seen arrested after Mick (Danny Dyer) went missing, Janine has been confirmed to stage a return, bringing more damage in her wake, and potentially triggering the exit of Linda. Previously discussing the prospect of resurfacing as Janine at the end of her prison sentence, Charlie mused in a chat with Metro: ‘I don’t know if the soaps [will still be] around in five years time – who knows what will happen? I think people are watching TV very differently these days. But I always say ‘never say never’ with Janine. Eastenders has been a blessing for me, it was my training ground, and I love going back there. Deals of the Day This Hoover vacuum is a game-changer for pet owners and muddy homes The wellbeing brand behind everyone's favourite candles has launched its biggest sale yet See London's Christmas lights from an open-top double-decker bus this winter My skin always suffers when the heating goes on but this serum changed that The skincare formula that finally took the guesswork out of my routine ‘With Janine, there have literally been so many awful things, all of which I can [find an explanation for] usually, which is why I’m struggling, because I’m like “well, she didn’t really push him” or “she only did that because of that”. Danny Dyer and I would have fights about Janine because I was always defending her!’ Arrow MORE: EastEnders confirms fresh death as gun is clasped amid Janine comeback Arrow MORE: All EastEnders cast returns, exits and new arrivals coming up in 2026 Arrow MORE: Why that insane EastEnders Janine theory can’t possibly be true The Soaps Newsletter – Daily All the latest soaps spoilers and gossip, in your inbox every morning.