EastEnders fans were left furious after Thursday night's episode saw DC Craig Ingram deliver a bombshell to Jack Branning about his daughter Amy Mitchell. Craig revealed that Amy was the one who attacked Joel Marshall earlier this year, grabbing a hammer and striking out after he mocked her.
Since Amy confessed, Craig has been pursuing her, buying her drinks at the Queen Vic and kissing her, despite her being days away from her 18th birthday. In the latest episode, Craig summoned Jack to the cafe and bluntly stated: "Amy was the one who attacked Joel."
Fans react to 'vile' scene
Craig claimed he was "putting his neck on the line" for Jack, a fellow police officer, by not saying anything, and coldly referenced Jack's partner Denise's cancer battle. Jack returned to find Amy in tears and promised to sort the situation out. Later, Craig reassured Amy that it was better her dad knew the truth, and they kissed again.
Reacting on X, one fan wrote: "Get lost creepy Craig, when Jack finds out he'll absolutely kill him the dirty grooming shyster." Another said: "So Craig found a bit of a conscience I rate that but Jack still needs to KILL HIM," while a third commented: "The way Craig calls Jack "Family" implying he's a "Great cop" who "Puts his neck on the line" made me laugh #EastEnders"
Theory of Roxy's return
Fans have theorised that Craig might take advantage of Amy's situation for nefarious purposes, with some suggesting he might "groom" her. This has led to speculation that Amy's mum, Roxy Mitchell, played by Rita Simons, could return. Roxy was last seen almost 10 years ago, when she and her sister Ronnie drowned on New Year's Day 2017.
One fan said: "And this brings me on to my real theory/wishful thinking: Roxy, who has been in witness protection, hears her daughter is in prison because of Max and returns to make him pay, holding his children at gunpoint so that he has to pick one to save." Another agreed: "This sounds very plausible, I think you could be right. The Amy and Craig thing has to be leading somewhere and I did wonder why Amy isn't in the flashforward episode, and think Craig could be the one Max 'kills'. Amy does seem to be hiding something doesn't she."
EastEnders airs Mondays to Thursdays at 7:30pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
