Amy Mitchell (Ellie Dadd) has confirmed plans to leave Walford with Craig Ingram (Matthew James-Bailey), the former police officer who continues to groom the teenager, in a dark twist on EastEnders.
Craig, who previously found an identity card in his flat belonging to Amy's ex-boyfriend Denzel Danes (Jaden Ladega), has been manipulating both teens. He looked through Amy's phone, found a shirtless photo from Denzel, and goaded him into sending more intimate pictures. Behind Amy's back, Craig saved the photos and sent Denzel an anonymous text blackmailing him for money.
Craig's Manipulation Intensifies
Amy desperately urged Craig to stop, but he insisted it was his job to look after her and that he needed cash to do so. He continues to blame Amy for losing his job after covering up her attack on Joel Marshall (Max Murrey), when he was actually sacked as a detective at Walford Police Station due to sexual misconduct and harassment.
Denzel sold an expensive gold signet ring to raise the £1,000 demanded, allowing him to enjoy belated 18th birthday celebrations with Amy and his family. Craig, lurking in the shadows, spied on them and, annoyed by their closeness, sent the indecent images to Denzel's father, Howie (Delroy Atkinson), and stepmum, Kim Fox-Danes (Tameka Empson).
Families Left Horrified
The Fox and Branning families were left horrified on Tuesday's episode (October 20) as the aftermath unfolded. Denzel was inconsolable, revealing he had originally sent the image to Amy and sold their gift to pay off his blackmailer.
Amy's dad, Jack Branning (Scott Maslen), vowed to uncover the blackmailer, while Craig continued to manipulate Amy, demanding she take the blame for blackmailing Denzel or he would leave. Falling further under his spell, Amy begged him to stay before visiting her stepmum Denise Fox (Diane Parish) in hospital, where she is undergoing treatment for acute myeloid leukaemia.
Amy's Confession and Exit Plan
Denise, unaware that Amy's new boyfriend was an older, predatory man, unwittingly encouraged her to set things right. This led Amy to intercept Jack at the police station and lie that she was behind Denzel's ordeal. An incensed Jack ordered her to tell Denzel the truth.
Later, Craig confirmed his plans to leave Walford, and Amy revealed she had a trust fund of £100,000 waiting for her when she turns 18, left by her maternal grandfather, the evil Archie Mitchell (Larry Lamb). Craig was unwilling to wait until November for the cash, so Amy promised to get hold of it as soon as possible. In a sinister twist, Amy suggested leaving Walford with Craig, confessed her love for him, and they agreed to exit together.
