'EastEnders' Charlie Brooks: 'Janine won't be scared by Phil'

EastEnders actress Charlie Brooks has expressed delight over her next storyline, which sees her character Janine Malloy at war with Walford villain Phil Mitchell.

As first revealed earlier this month, Janine is to buy Roxy Mitchell's share in local nightclub R&R in an upcoming plot - leaving Phil furious when he discovers the identity of his new business partner.

Next week's episodes of the BBC soap see Janine start to make her mark at the business by bringing in some of her own things, including a parrot she has named Frank.

"It's part of a big power struggle," Brooks told Inside Soap. "Janine obviously bought the parrot to wind up Phil and then she calls it Frank and teaches it to say, 'Alright, pilchard'. It's so funny - but sadly just a cameo appearance by the bird as Phil lets it out to upset her.

"The thing is, Janine isn't intimidated by him and gives as good as she gets. That's great for me to play."

The star added that she is glad to be working alongside Steve McFadden, who plays Phil.

"We were talking about how great it is the other day," she said. "They've never been the best of friends - Phil has thrown her out of The Vic about 63,000 times! Janine will really annoy him - Phil is going to see her as a fly he wants to swat."

Meanwhile, discussing what else is in store for Janine, Brooks explained: "She's going to build up a property portfolio and start a cleaning business. There's plenty of fun to be had."

Janine's new storyline begins in Monday night's episode of EastEnders.

> EastEnders Charlie Brooks: 'I hope Janine doesn't kill Pat'
> Read more EastEnders spoilers and news

Watch some of Phil Mitchell's EastEnders best bits in the video below: