EastEnders star Charlie Brooks looked ecstatic as she celebrated her 40th birthday at a festival-themed booze-free party thrown by her ex-husband Tony Truman.
The soap star, who is currently preparing for her return to Albert Square, appeared to be feeling worlds apart from her evil character Janine as she beamed in pics shared by Tony on Instagram.
The lavish garden party bash was decked out to the nines and featured an enormous balloon arch, a big boho-style tent and a non-alcoholic cocktail bar.
Tony, who is father of her 16-year-old daughter Kiki, and co-founder of Ocean Beach Ibiza, took to Instagram to share some snaps and videos of her big day.
(Image: @tonytrumanibiza)
He also uploaded a video showing him giving ex Charlie her birthday gift.
The highly thoughtful gesture was that of a stunning gold necklace made from their old engagement ring.
(Image: @tonytrumanibiza)
(Image: @tonytrumanibiza)
Showing her gratitude, Charlie also shared snapshots of her weekend and commented: “Best friends. Family. Sunrise walks. Morris dancers. Naps. Kitchen dance offs. Food. So much delicious food. And love. Love was in my garden. That is not a euphemism.
“Thank you @tonytrumanibiza for making it so special you went above and beyond. And to my nearest and dearest for being an endless support in my life. You know who you are and I love you. 40 is feeling pretty f*****g good so far…”
In his sweet social media tribute to Charlie, Tony also opened up by saying: “Wow where have the last 20 years gone darling?
(Image: @tonytrumanibiza)
(Image: @tonytrumanibiza)
“@charlie_brooks_xx from a 20-year-old TV starlet to a 40-year-old entrepreneurial mother. So proud of you for all you amazing achievements over that period & how you have become the most amazing incredible independent woman.
“You are a powerful individual who knows exactly what you want & how to go & get it and I salute you for that tenacity darling.
“But most of all how you adapted at a young age to motherhood and the way you have worked so hard to bring our daughter up & installing her with your strong values.”
(Image: @tonytrumanibiza)
In an interview with Kate Thornton on the White Wine Question Time podcast, Charlie explained why she chose to ditch the booze.
She said: “I’ve partied a lot and really enjoyed it. A glass of wine is never a glass of wine, it’s a bottle or three. I thought, ‘It’s time to change. I don’t want to do this anymore.’
“I was so fed up of feeling s***, repetitive behaviour patterns, feeling like I was doing the same thing all the time and actually I felt like my life was standing still a bit.”
(Image: @tonytrumanibiza)
Just last month it was rumoured that Charlie would return to her role as Janine Butcher after seven years away from The Square.
The actress is reportedly resuming her job as a full-cast member on the soap and will start filming within the next month.
