DC Craig Ingram (Matthew James Bailey) faces suspension from his public policing role in EastEnders next week after a serious complaint is made against him. The detective, who has been leading the investigation into Joel Marshall’s (Max Murray) attack, has been a frequent presence on the Square recently, seeking answers.
Joel was attacked with a hammer in July and left for dead, just after being tied up by local teens who wanted to show he wasn’t welcome in Walford following his actions towards Avani Nandra-Hart (Aaliyah James) and Vicki Fowler (Alice Haig). Craig has questioned all the kids involved and agreed to withhold a video – recorded by the teens as they poured beer over a restrained Joel – from evidence.
Amy's Growing Unease
Although everyone involved in Joel’s humiliation assured the detective of their innocence, Ricky (Frankie Day) worried that Craig would discover the bike lock used to tie Joel up was his. Amy Mitchell (Ellie Dadd) then decided to quiz the copper for clues, leaving her on edge. Matters worsened when Craig stumbled upon a clandestine meeting between the teens and began probing Amy for information.
When Jack Branning (Scott Maslen) spotted them, Craig claimed he was checking on Amy’s welfare. Amy came to believe she could trust Craig and told him about the bike lock being Ricky’s. Craig, in turn, gave her his personal mobile number.
Suspension and Support
Later this week, Amy confides in Craig, who offers a shoulder to cry on. Next week, Amy frets privately as Craig finds himself suspended from public policing after his superior confirms a serious complaint. He is taken off the Joel case.
A run-in with Joel – who is with Vicki – leaves Amy rattled. She later meets Craig, revealing she feels overwhelmed. Craig promises to be there for her, and Amy accepts his support.
The question remains: what is Craig up to, and what has got Amy so overwhelmed? Craig made his debut in July when Jack learned he’d be taking over his cases while Denise Fox (Diane Parish) underwent chemotherapy for leukaemia. The detective is played by former Hollyoaks star Matthew James Bailey, known for playing Ethan Williams on the Channel 4 soap from 2021 to 2024.
EastEnders airs Mondays to Thursdays at 7:30pm on BBC One or streams from 6am on BBC iPlayer.
