Why that insane EastEnders Janine theory can’t possibly be true

| Soaps Reporter Published October 8, 2026 12:57pm Updated October 8, 2026 12:57pm Sorry to burst your bubble (Picture: BBC) EastEnders fans got the shock of their lives earlier this week when Nancy Carter (Maddy Hill) returned and revealed that the father of the baby she’s currently carrying is *checks notes* her brother Lee Carter (Danny Hatchard). Don’t worry, the BBC One soap hadn’t gone there. Seriously, thank goodness. It was revealed that Nancy is a surrogate for brother Lee and his partner Jess, who suffered a number of miscarriages while trying for a baby. Lee and Nancy were seeking legal advice from their brother Johnny Carter (Charlie Suff) due to the fact Jess had walked out on Lee, and blocked him on social media. As a result, Lee and Nancy were keen to know where they stood legally with the baby. Johnny revealed that, if Nancy doesn’t give up her parental rights, then technically Jess need not know when the child is born. When Lee took a call from Jess, viewers became intrigued when he told her to stay away and reiterated that he wants her to have nothing to do with the baby. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video Nancy is being a surrogate for Lee and mysterious partner Jess (Picture: BBC/Metro) Due to the fact viewers haven’t met Jess yet, they cannot help but speculate as to whether she is actually someone we’ve met before. At the top of the list right now is Janine Butcher (Charlie Brooks). Yes, some fans of the show think Janine – who married Lee, Nancy and Johnny’s dad Mick, had a baby with him and is currently in prison – has been in a relationship with Lee. Ask Metro Use AI to go deeper into the stories you care about – powered by Metro and trusted publications. Given the fact we know Janine is returning to EastEnders, it’s no surprise that she’s at the centre of these theories. Aside from the fact Lee Carter will know what Janine looks like (are you telling me Mick Carter going missing at sea wasn’t all over the news in the Walford universe?), the character is only back in Walford for a handful of episodes, so she’d have to cram an awful lot of drama into a very short space of time. So, as much as Janine being the mum of Lee’s baby would’ve been a totally gobsmacking twist, it seems the mysterious Jess is someone else entirely. Charlie, who marked her 1,000th episode in 2022, recently hinted at returning as Janine, as her character’s release from prison draws near. Janine is returning, but not for very long (Picture: BBC) Speaking on Good Morning Britain earlier this year, the performer noted to Richard Arnold that Janine should be out from behind bars in ‘about a year’. ‘OK! Out in about a year… sounds like Richard knows about the future script,’ Susanna Reid then said, to which the entertainment reporter replied: ‘Well, you could get out earlier. You never know.’ Flashing a grin, Charlie chimed in: ‘You will have to see.’ Asked whether she can see herself going back, the I’m A Celebrity star responded: ‘I get asked this question all the time. I love Janine; I love playing her; she’s a wonderful character. I always get blessed with such great storylines. Deals of the Day Kurt Geiger's new Notting Hill collection is a love letter to London's chaotic weather Dyson fans are swapping to this Hoover vacuum-mop that washes floors as it cleans I tried L'Oréal Paris's new PDRN serum and my skin looked glossier after one use This new Cricut gadget turns your favourite photos into stickers in minutes From kitchen hatches to burgundy walls – the biggest home trends for 2027 ‘So who knows.’ Arrow MORE: All EastEnders cast returns, exits and new arrivals coming up in 2026 Arrow MORE: All EastEnders cast returns, exits and new arrivals coming up in 2026 Arrow MORE: All EastEnders cast returns, exits and new arrivals coming up in 2026 The Soaps Newsletter – Daily All the latest soaps spoilers and gossip, in your inbox every morning.