EastEnders fans were celebrating during Monday’s episode as Janine Butcher pulled a daring stunt to get Linda Carter out of Mick’s life once and for all.
Viewers were raving over Janine’s scheming, which they branded "wicked", and were delighted to see the Janine they "know and love" back in action.
Monday night’s episode ended with a high-speed car crash.
Janine had gone to rescue a drunk Linda, whose car had broken down.
After getting the car started, Janine started to drive Linda home. But when she became distracted as the pair argued, the car ran off of the road and hit a tree.
As Tuesday's episode began, Janine came around to find Linda bleeding and unconscious.
As she came to terms with what had happened, a plan quickly formed when she saw Mick ringing Linda’s phone.
After checking that baby Annie, who had been on the back seat of the car, was OK, Janine proceeded to pull Linda out of the car.
But she wasn’t trying to help her.
No, Janine’s plan was to pop Linda in the driving seat, to make it look like Linda had been drink driving with her baby daughter in the car!
Leaving nothing to chance, Janine fastened the seat belt over Linda then popped one of Linda’s hands on the steering wheel.
She then poured some of the vodka Linda had been drinking around the car before leaving the empty bottle on the floor. Next, she wiped away any of her own fingerprints from the vehicle.
When a concerned driver stopped to help, Janine pretended that she was a passing dog walker. The driver quickly rang an ambulance, giving Janine her chance to slip away.
Fans were aghast at Janine's actions.
And with many feeling Janine had been rather tame by her standards since she returned last year, they were over the moon to see her back at her evil best.
“Finally, we are getting to see the Janine we know and love,” said one. While another agreed. “This latest scheme takes some beating," they raved.
While another summed up: "Janine is the most wicked character in EastEnders".
Finally... we are getting to see the Janine we know and love! 😁#EastEndersJune 7, 2022
Janine has got to be the most evil wicked character on #eastenders right now 🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬June 7, 2022
I don’t know why I’m so surprised at low Janine is and the lengths she will go to, but blimey, this latest scheme she’s pulling takes some beating. If only baby Annie could talk... #EastEndersJune 7, 2022
Now this is the Janine we all know and love 🤣 #EastendersJune 7, 2022
Classic Janine Butcher tonight you won't be disappointed. 👏🏼 #EastEndersJune 7, 2022
With Janine having been due to head off to visit her sister Clare that day, she slipped off from the Square with her daughter Scarlett without arousing suspicion.
Later, Mick rang from the hospital to tell her the news, and Janine feigned surprise.
But when Mick added that Linda was in a coma and might die, Janine was left shocked.
Has she gone too far this time?
EastEnders airs Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings at 7.30 pm on BBC One — see our TV Guide for full listings. You can also catch up on episodes on BBC iPlayer now.
