EASTENDERS stars Charlie Brooks and James Bye were spotted looking tense as they chatted outside the boozy Tric Awards on Wednesday.
The co-stars looked animated as they headed out of the Television and Radio Industries Club in West London to catch a cab home.
Charlie, 40, recently returned to the streets of Walford in the BBC soap as Janine Butcher, acting alongside Martin Fowler star James, 37.
Looking glamorous, the actress opted for a long black dress for the star-studded evening, while James wore a navy over a white t-shirt.
The pair looked to be enjoying the awards together before heading out of the venue to catch a car home – but not before a heated exchange.
James could be seen waving his arms and pointing an accusatory finger towards Charlie as a friend appeared to mediate their altercation.
The actress looked to be verbally defending herself as her co-star pointed back towards the venue while they stood outside waiting for their UBER.
Charlie looked engrossed in a phone conversation as the exchange died down, appeared to be directing their ride home to their pick up spot.
Despite the heated words, it didn’t stop Charlie and James from piling into the car together in order to head home – with them both looking solemn.
The Janine Butcher star was photographed folding herself into the back of the waiting vehicle as James continued to sternly mutter to himself.
After making her soap return this month, Charlie confirmed that Janine Butcher will enter into a fling with Albert Square resident Zack Hudson.
Fans have already seen the duo flirting but things will heat up between Janine and Zack, played by James Farrar, later this month.
Talking to HOAR at this year’s National Television Awards, Charlie said: “Coming up next week we have big fire scenes and there is definitely a love interest with someone who is very easy on the eye, Zack.
“There are lots of strong female relationships when I rub up against them in the pub. Jessie Wallace who plays Cat (Slater) is an amazing actress, same with Lacy Turner its been really fantastic.”
The actress, who returned to the show earlier this month after a seven year break, continued: “I would like to see Janine running a club with load of drag queens and have little Scarlett in there with us. You know, like RuPaul.
“When I got the call to go back I was just like ‘where has she been and what has she been up to?’
“That is what I am really interested in looking at, the evolution of Janine.
“That’s their job really but I do like to give ideas. Sometimes they are like ‘nah’ but sometimes they say yes.”
“I did have suggestions for the script writers and if they listen to you that’s great and if they don’t, that’s great.”
