EastEnders has introduced two new characters this week: DC Craig Ingram, a colleague of Jack Branning, and councillor Clive Masters, who becomes a love interest for Linda Carter.
Who plays DC Craig Ingram?
Craig is portrayed by Matthew James Bailey, best known for playing Ethan Williams on Hollyoaks. He first appeared on Hollyoaks in 2016 as Jake, then returned in 2021 as Ethan, a gangster turned comedic barman. His romance with Sienna Blake and friendship with Darren Osborne were fan favourites. Ethan was controversially killed off in 2024 amid cast cuts. Bailey also appeared in Russell T Davies' Cucumber as Tomazs. Of joining EastEnders, he said: 'Joining EastEnders has been a dream come true. From it being the soundtrack to my childhood... being able to play even a small part in such an iconic piece of British television is truly surreal.'
Who plays councillor Clive Masters?
Clive is played by Jason Durr, known for Mike Bradley in Heartbeat (1997-2003) and David Hide in Casualty (2016-2023). David had storylines including a bipolar diagnosis and his son's death in a school shooting. Durr said: 'Few shows command their place in the national conversation quite like EastEnders, so I’m delighted to be joining the cast as Clive Masters. Working with the wonderful Kellie Bright has been an absolute joy and pleasure from day one.'
Storyline details
Craig first appeared on Monday (July 20) at the police station, assigned to take over Jack's cases while Jack is on compassionate leave after Denise Fox's diagnosis with acute myeloid leukaemia (AML), an aggressive blood cancer. Craig later visits Jack at home, but Jack is unimpressed, feeling Craig is muscling in. Meanwhile, Linda meets Clive at the B&B after Ian Beale connects them. Linda fears for the community centre's future after a pole dancing class went wrong and hopes Clive can help. Sparks fly between them, hinting at a romantic storyline.
EastEnders airs Mondays to Thursdays at 7:30pm on BBC One or streams from 6am on BBC iPlayer.
