EastEnders has introduced two new characters this week: DC Craig Ingram, played by Matthew James Bailey, and councillor Clive Masters, played by Jason Durr. Craig is a colleague of Jack Branning (Scott Maslen), appearing first on Monday July 20 at the police station. Jack, on compassionate leave due to Denise Fox’s (Diane Parish) acute myeloid leukaemia diagnosis, is told his cases will be handled by Craig. Craig later visits Jack at home to smooth tensions, but Jack perceives him as trying to take over his work.
Linda Carter Meets Clive Masters
At the B&B, Linda Carter (Kellie Bright) meets councillor Clive Masters, connected through Ian Beale (Adam Woodyatt). Linda is concerned about the future of the community centre after a pole dancing class went wrong, and hopes Clive can help save it. Sparks fly between them, hinting at a potential romance.
Matthew James Bailey: From Hollyoaks to Walford
Matthew James Bailey is best known for playing Ethan Williams on Hollyoaks. He first appeared in 2016 as Jake, then returned in 2021 as Ethan, a gangster with comedic wit who worked at The Loft. His romance with Sienna Blake (Anna Passey) and friendship with Darren Osborne (Ashley Taylor Dawson) were fan favourites. Ethan was controversially killed off in 2024 amid cast cuts. Bailey also played Tomazs in Russell T Davies’ Cucumber. He said of joining EastEnders: “Joining EastEnders has been a dream come true. From it being the soundtrack to my childhood… 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.”
Jason Durr: From Casualty and Heartbeat to EastEnders
Jason Durr is known for playing Mike Bradley in Heartbeat (1997-2003) and David Hide in Casualty (2016-2023). David had storylines including a bipolar diagnosis, friendship with Dylan (Will Beck), and the death of his son Ollie after a school shooting. Durr made his EastEnders debut on Tuesday July 21 as Clive, who becomes a love interest for Linda. He said: “Few shows command their place in the national conversation quite like EastEnders, so I’m delighted to be joining the cast as Clive Masters. Working with the wonderful Kellie Bright has been an absolute joy and pleasure from day one. All the cast, crew and production staff have been incredibly generous, welcoming and good humoured. I’m excited for audiences to meet Clive and see what’s in store.”
What’s Next for the Characters?
Craig’s arrival adds tension to Jack’s storyline as he deals with Denise’s illness. Clive’s role will be pivotal in the community centre plot and in providing Linda with a potential romantic interest after the loss of husband Mick (Danny Dyer) and her relapse in The Six storyline. EastEnders airs Mondays to Thursdays at 7:30pm on BBC One or streams from 6am on BBC iPlayer.
