Matthew James-Bailey Joins *EastEnders* as DC Craig Ingram

Actor Matthew James-Bailey, 31, will debut this summer on the BBC soap *EastEnders* as Detective Constable Craig Ingram. The character is introduced to share the workload of Detective Inspector Jack Branning (Scott Maslen), who is currently coping with his partner Denise Fox’s (Diane Parish) acute myeloid leukaemia treatment. Ingram’s first assignment is expected to involve a case close to Albert Square and to intersect with the Branning family’s ongoing storyline.

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James-Bailey is best known for his three-year stint as Ethan Williams in Channel 4’s *Hollyoaks*, a role that featured kidnapping, an accidental murder and a fatal balcony fall in 2024. Prior to that he appeared in Russell T Davies’ BBC drama *Cucumber*. His transition to *EastEnders* follows a 2024 production cutback at *Hollyoaks* that reduced episode frequency and led to his departure.

Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald

Executive producer Ben Wadey described the casting as a “fantastic addition” and indicated that Ingram’s presence will be central to a summer storyline involving the Brannings. The show’s publicity notes that Jack Branning’s storyline will continue to focus on supporting Denise Fox through her aggressive blood-cancer battle, while the flash-forward New Year’s Day episode hinted at future drama for Max Branning (Jake Wood).

Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald

• “We’re delighted to welcome Matthew to EastEnders, and he has been a fantastic addition to the cast.” — Ben Wadey, Executive Producer

Radio Times

• “Craig’s presence in Walford forms part of a storyline involving the Branning’s that will unfold this summer.” — Ben Wadey, Executive Producer

Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald

• “James-Bailey said: “Joining EastEnders has been a dream come true.” — Matthew James-Bailey, Actor

Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald

• “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.” — Matthew James-Bailey, Actor

Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald

Ingram is slated to appear on screen within weeks, with his first scenes set against the backdrop of the Branning family’s evolving drama. Viewers can expect his investigation to intersect with the flash-forward narrative that previewed events in 2027, further linking his character to the long-term arcs of Jack and Max Branning.

Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald