EastEnders fans are convinced that Craig Ingram is not actually dead, despite Amy Mitchell appearing to kill him in a recent storyline. A scene in the BBC soap's Christmas and winter trailer has led viewers to believe the character will return.
Fans question Craig's fate after trailer scene
Craig was killed accidentally by Amy Mitchell, the teenager he had been grooming. After Craig turned violent and forced himself on her, she tried to escape but was caught. Events led to her hitting him over the head and, realising he was dead, she fled home.
Amy covered up her crime to her family and the police, while hinting she had something to confess to Sean Slater. Despite actor Matthew James Bailey confirming he has left the role, fans suspect that Sean, Amy's dad Jack Branning and relative Phil Mitchell will head to the bedsit where Amy killed Craig.
Fans share theories on social media
In the trailer, the three characters are shown standing together as if worried or as if something bad has happened. One theory suggests the trio find out about Craig and head to the bedsit to get rid of the body or stage a crime scene. In one moment, Jack turns to Sean and looks shocked or scared, appearing tearful.
Some fans think this is the moment they all find Craig, while others believe they will arrive to find the bedsit empty, confirming he is not dead. One fan said: "I don't think he is dead. I think Jack, Sean and Phil go to dispose of him but find the bedsit empty. Guess we will have to wait until next week."
Another fan added: "I don't think he dead. I think they will go to the bedsit and he's not there. I think they are investigating who left Zoe to die and questioning him about that." A third fan claimed: "We actually don't know he's dead yet," as a fourth said: "He will be back on Christmas Day." Another viewer added: "I don't think he will he dead, he will come back in years to come in a story."
Actor confirms departure
Addressing his exit, Matthew told Digital Spy: "I feel like I’m starting to get a reputation, following in the footsteps of the magnificent Sean Bean where he dies in everything! But I do think it’s extremely important for Craig to have his comeuppance. I’m very glad the story ends the way it does, I think the character has met a deserved end."
EastEnders airs Mondays to Thursdays at 7:30pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
