In Wednesday’s (August 26) episode of EastEnders, now streaming on BBC iPlayer and airing at 7:30pm on BBC One, suspended detective Craig Ingram (Matthew James Bailey) kissed teenager Amy Mitchell (Ellie Dadd) after inviting her for a drink. The encounter took place at Container Junction, where Craig ordered Amy a double gin and soda despite her asking for a single, and later suggested another drink for the road.
Craig’s manipulation escalates
Craig, who has been a frequent presence in Walford over the past month, was leading the investigation into the attack on Joel Marshall (Max Murray). He first met Amy, daughter of colleague Jack Branning (Scott Maslen), while interviewing teen suspects who were in the park before the incident. Amy confided in Craig that she was the one who assaulted Joel, but Craig kept this secret from his superiors after being suspended from the case.
His suspension followed a complaint against him, with DS Reynolds confirming an investigation into gross misconduct over ‘engaging in inappropriate relationships with a female officer’. Craig concealed his suspension from Amy, telling her he had decided to protect her by keeping her secret. Amy felt grateful and was told to come to him if she needed anything.
A vulnerable teen targeted
Earlier this week, the pair met again at Gaming Grounds after Amy was rejected by Denzel Danes (Jaden Ladega). Craig dismissed her friends, including Denzel, as ‘kids’ and called Amy an ‘old soul’, inviting her for a drink. Amy initially hesitated but agreed, insisting she could get served alcohol.
During their date, Amy opened up about her struggles while Craig listened and encouraged her to have another drink. As they left Container Junction, Craig told Amy he cared about her, and she reciprocated. He then leaned in for a kiss, leaving viewers questioning his intentions and whether Amy is in danger.
Jack’s reaction and what’s next
The episode raises concerns about how Jack, already coping with wife Denise Fox’s (Diane Parish) diagnosis, will react when he learns of Craig’s advances. EastEnders airs Mondays to Thursdays at 7:30pm on BBC One, with episodes available from 6am on BBC iPlayer. Viewers can expect further developments as Craig’s motives become clearer.
