EastEnders’ Charlie Brooks, 45, forced to overhaul fitness regime after being told she’d need hip replacement

CHARLIE Brooks has revealed she may need a hip replacement after suffering agonising pain that forced her to give up running.

The former marathon runner says pain left her “wanting to cut her leg off”, with doctors suggesting she overhaul her fitness for some relief.

The 44-year-old actress, best known for playing Janine Butcher in EastEnders, swapped running for weight-bearing exercises and is already seeing results.

However, Charlie has admitted she could still need an op if things don’t continue to improve.

Discussing her new routine, the TV star told Closer magazine: “I feel stronger, I feel more energised and healthier in my mind.

“As you progress, you can lift heavier, you can do more reps and you feel yourself getting stronger. When you see your muscles growing and your body changing, that’s a massive motivator.”

She said: “I might have to have a hip replacement at some point, but for now I’m keeping it at bay.”

Charlie previously ran four marathons, so ditching running must have certainly taken some getting used to.

The star now works out with a remote trainer four times a week and makes sure she consumes 2,500 calories a day.

Charlie shared: “I start every day with a protein shake and a couple of eggs. Lunch might be a chilli beef wrap, but I also enjoy rice with avocado, chicken, protein bagels and a little chocolate.”

She added: “I take a lot of supplements too – I start my day with creatine, apple cider vinegar, electrolytes and fish oil, plus I take magnesium for sleep.”

The actress played Janine Butcher on and off from 1999 until 2022.

Charlie is mum to 20-year-old daughter Kiki, who she shares with Ibiza nightclub owner Tony Truman.

She and Tony split two years after Kiki was born but remain on very good terms.