EastEnders star Charlie Brooks is returning to her villainous ways in the touring production of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.

The actor, who is best known for playing Albert Square’s femme fatale Janine Butcher, will appear as the terrifying Childcatcher when the family favourite comes to Canterbury.

Charlie first became a familiar face with soap fans when she took over the role of Janine in 1999.

She has returned to the BBC show several times over the past 25 years, featuring in prominent storylines such as the murder of Barry Evans, played by Kent resident Shaun Williamson, and the 2022 Christmas Day episode in which actor Danny Dyer left the show.

The 43-year-old TV star will be joined on stage by Strictly champion Ore Oduba, who will play eccentric inventor Caractacus Potts.

The presenter, who has been at the helm of programmes such as the One Show and This Morning, won the dance competition in 2016 with partner Joanne Clifton.

Since lifting the glitterball trophy, he has appeared in a string of nationwide theatre productions and West End shows.

Ore’s 12-day stint in Canterbury is not the first time he has visited the city. He has previously performed at the Marlowe Theatre in the Rocky Horror Show, Pretty Woman and the 2022 pantomime Sleeping Beauty.

Liam Fox, best known for playing Dan Spencer in ITV’s Emmerdale, also joins the cast as Grandpa Potts.

To get great deals on tickets to the West End’s must-see musicals, click here.

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, based on Ian Fleming’s 1964 children’s novel and the film adaptation by Roald Dahl and Ken Hughes, features songs by the Academy Award-winning Sherman Brothers.

The American composers, who are known for their scores in Disney films such as Mary Poppins and the Jungle Book, penned the musical’s memorable numbers, including Truly Scrumptious, Hushabye Mountain and the Oscar-nominated title track, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.

The story follows Caractacus, an unsuccessful inventor who restores a broken-down racing car with his children, Jemima and Jeremy. When the family discovers that the car has magical powers, they soon take off on an exciting adventure to far-off lands.

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang will be at the Marlowe Theatre in Canterbury from Tuesday, April 1 to Saturday, April 12. You can book tickets online here.

You can also book tickets by calling 01227 787787.