The hunt for Joel Marshall’s attacker in EastEnders takes a disturbing turn next week when DC Craig Ingram begins to cross professional boundaries with Amy Mitchell. Craig, played by Matthew James Bailey, is leading the investigation into the near-fatal assault on Joel, and his interactions with Amy are raising eyebrows.
Craig’s Unsettling Interest in Amy
In upcoming episodes, Craig is seen having a clandestine chat with Amy, probing her for information about the attack. Jack Branning spots them and intervenes, but Craig lies, claiming he was checking on Amy’s welfare. The situation escalates when Craig later offers Amy a shoulder to cry on after she storms off following an argument with Jack.
Amy is one of several Walford teens suspected of attacking Joel, who had been locked up by the group to humiliate him for his crimes against their friend Avani Nandra-Hart. The teens involved include Amy, Avani, Denzel Danes, Barney Mitchell, Ricky Branning, Will Mitchell, Lily Slater, and Nugget Gulati, but none have confessed to delivering the blow.
A Bombshell That Could Change Everything
As Craig and Amy speak in the park, Amy drops a bombshell that could turn the case on its head. The information she reveals leaves Craig with a dilemma: what will he do with it? This development threatens to complicate the investigation and raises questions about Craig’s motives.
Meanwhile, the other teens begin to turn on each other after Lily Slater speaks to Craig, and another truth comes to light. The tension among the group escalates, leading to an explosive argument that sends Amy back to No.27, where she clashes with her father.
Newcomer Matthew James Bailey on Joining EastEnders
Matthew James Bailey, who plays Craig, is known for his role as Ethan Williams on Hollyoaks from 2021 to 2024. Speaking about his casting in EastEnders, he said: ‘Joining EastEnders has been a dream come true. From it being the soundtrack to my childhood, always on in the background at home, to gathering around the TV with my family every Christmas, being able to play even a small part in such an iconic piece of British television is truly surreal.’
These scenes air from Monday 10th August at 7.30pm on BBC One, or stream first from 6am on iPlayer.
