Martin says what we’re all thinking (Picture: BBC)

What do you do every time Janine Butcher (Charlie Brooks) is not in EastEnders? Yep, you wait for the announcement that she is going to return. Same, babes.

And tonight, Martin Fowler (James Bye) was on the same page, making a cheeky reference to the revolving Albert Square door that our beloved killer schemer uses.

The soap has already prepared for it. Janine may have been arrested, but only on the piffy charge of perjury, which means she could be out and about in two to four years.

Eager for a bitching session in the cafe (where else?), Martin and Stacey (Lacey Turner) were reflecting on Janine’s many crimes, including involvements in the deaths of Barry Evans and Michael Moon.

Not knowing that Scarlett was in earshot, Martin predicted that Janine would go away for a few years and then come back once more to cause more chaos.

Is Martin onto something? (Picture: BBC)

That’s what she does – and why we love her. Could he be onto something? Well, we can only hope.

And Charlie is not going to rule anything out.

‘I’ve had the best year and a half getting back into Janine’s shoes,’ the actress told Metro.co.uk.

‘She’s so fun to play, but I also love playing all the vulnerable stuff with Janine as well. I’m an actress, so I want to do everything.

‘I feel like if she was to stay in the show, the character might not be as strong somehow. I wouldn’t want her to be diluted because she is so full-on, she’s so dramatic.’

More: Trending

This sounds like bad news for Janine fans – but on the other hand, Charlie isn’t quite over Janine yet.

‘I always feel like there’s more to know, which is a really good place to be with a character,’ she said.

‘If something feels quite layered, quite complex, it always stays interesting and luckily for me, Janine has remained that way.

‘I always say, “Never say never.” EastEnders is home to me, and I’ve had a fantastic time, so I’d be open to a return for sure.’

Martin may be onto something…

MORE : Danny Dyer insists he won’t return to EastEnders like Leslie Grantham and jokes: ‘He was skint’

MORE : EastEnders New Year trailer: Another death confirmed and the end of Phil Mitchell?

A discussion between Martin and Stacey holds a big clue.