Grinning Janine’s dastardly Mick plan confirmed in EastEnders

| Deputy Soaps Editor Published November 5, 2026 9:51am Updated November 5, 2026 9:51am Janine is back – and she’s got a shocking plan up her sleeve (Picture: BBC) EastEnders spoilers follow for Thursday’s (November 5) episode, which can now be streamed on BBC iPlayer. The episode in question will air at 7:30pm. Janine Butcher (Charlie Brooks) has staged her long-awaited return to EastEnders and, in typical Janine fashion, she’s up to no good. The legendary soap schemer was taken away by the police four years ago after the truth about her lies and deception – particularly how she framed love rival Linda Carter (Kellie Bright) for a catastrophic car crash – were exposed. Her arrest came just hours after the supposed death of Mick (Danny Dyer), who had wed Janine days earlier but came to discover the truth behind her deception. In his final moments, Mick jumped into the sea to rescue one true love Linda, unaware that his beloved L had already made it safely to shore. Life without her soulmate has been tough for Linda, who has endured a plethora of grief and tragedy in the years since his disappearance. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video The return of Max Branning (Jake Wood), who she famously cheated on Mick with years earlier, also left her at odds with herself but ultimately she decided to give herself a shot at happiness in a post-Mick world, making a go of things with Max, much to the chagrin of her loved ones – and the viewers at home. With Linda worried about son Lee’s (Danny Hatchard) drinking, Max attempted to get involved in the drama – but was firmly told to stay out of Carter business. Max being Max, however, refused to stay out of the clan’s affairs. He opened up to Lauren (Jacqueline Jossa) about how he feels he’s living in the shadow of ‘St Mick’. Refusing to be Linda’s ‘second best’, he resolved to make her ‘forget that Mick ever existed’. Ask Metro Use AI to go deeper into the stories you care about – powered by Metro and trusted publications. Sure, Max. Whatever you say. Is Janine’s twisted plan tied to Mick’s demise? (Picture: BBC / Jack Barnes) But as the Carters smiled outside Peacock Palace watching the fireworks – in more ways than one as Elaine (Harriet Thorpe) kissed Ian (Adam Woodyatt) – they had no idea that a nightmare was set to unfold. In subsequent scenes, Janine was seen for the first time since her arrest. She was handed a document which she branded ‘perfect’, grinning as a plan formed. The question is: just what is she up to? Are the sudden references to Mick confirmation that her dastardly plot is in someway tied to the Carter patriarch who vanished at sea? Linda’s world is turned upside down (Picture: BBC / Jack Barnes / Kieron McCarron) And just what hellish torment will she now bring to Linda’s door? Next week, Linda learns something from Janine that leaves her utterly reeling and, armed with support from Max, she prepares to tell the kids. But just what has she learned? And can one really trust Janine? Deals of the Day QVC shoppers can save £159 on Elemis' biggest beauty gift set of the year 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 EastEnders airs Mondays to Thursdays at 7:30pm on BBC One or stream from 6am on BBC iPlayer. If you’ve got a soap or TV story, video or pictures get in touch by emailing us soaps@metro.co.uk – we’d love to hear from you. Join the community by leaving a comment below and stay updated on all things soaps on our homepage. Arrow MORE: All EastEnders spoilers for next week as Linda gets the shock of her life Arrow MORE: EastEnders’ Nancy in crisis as she goes into labour with Linda and Lee missing Arrow MORE: Max forces his way into Linda’s life in EastEnders despite her booting him out The Soaps Newsletter – Daily All the latest soaps spoilers and gossip, in your inbox every morning.