Matthew James-Bailey joins EastEnders as DC Craig Ingram
Former Hollyoaks star Matthew James-Bailey has joined EastEnders as DC Craig Ingram, a detective brought in to cover Jack Branning's workload while Jack supports Denise Fox through blood cancer treatment. The EastEnders Craig Ingram arrival launches a major Branning storyline unfolding this summer, with filming already underway at Elstree.
EastEnders confirmed the casting in a BBC media centre announcement on 11 July 2026. Craig arrives in Walford as a younger colleague of Jack Branning (Scott Maslen) at the local police station, stepping in when Jack's boss suspects he cannot balance work with supporting partner Denise (Diane Parish) during her aggressive blood cancer battle.
Key Takeaways
- Matthew James-Bailey, ex-Hollyoaks Ethan Williams, joins as DC Craig Ingram.
- Craig covers Jack Branning's police workload amid Denise Fox's cancer storyline.
- Major Branning family plot unfolds over summer months on BBC One.
- James-Bailey is already filming at Elstree and debuts within weeks.
- He quickly works on a case close to Albert Square.
Who is Matthew James-Bailey?
Matthew James-Bailey is best known for playing Ethan Williams on Hollyoaks from 2021 to 2024. His Hollyoaks storylines included kidnapping Darren Osborne, accidentally killing girlfriend Maya Harkwell, and a turbulent relationship with Sienna Blake that ended when she pushed him off a balcony to his death.
He exited the Channel 4 soap in 2024 amid production cutbacks that reduced episodes from five to three per week. He told Digital Spy at the time that leaving was bittersweet and not his choice. His first screen role was as Tomasz in Russell T Davies' 2015 Channel 4 drama Cucumber.
Why is DC Craig Ingram coming to Walford?
Craig Ingram is assigned to help Jack Branning after superiors worry the detective is stretched thin. Jack has been visiting hospitals while Denise undergoes treatment, and upcoming scenes will see her reveal initial chemotherapy has not worked as hoped.
Before long, Craig is working on a case close to Albert Square. Executive producer Ben Wadey said Craig's presence forms part of a storyline involving the Brannings that will unfold this summer.
When will EastEnders Craig Ingram appear on screen?
Radio Times reports James-Bailey is already filming on the EastEnders set in Elstree, Hertfordshire, and will appear within weeks. The BBC states he arrives this summer as part of a major storyline unfolding over the coming months.
On joining the soap, James-Bailey 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." Wadey added: "We're delighted to welcome Matthew to EastEnders, and he has been a fantastic addition to the cast."
Radio Times notes no further details have been released about Craig's exact plot, though it may connect to the New Year's Day flash-forward episode centring on Max Branning. For more soap casting updates, see our celebrity breaking news coverage.