Matthew James-Bailey has secured a role in EastEnders, where he will portray Detective Constable Craig Ingram in an upcoming storyline.
The 31-year-old performer, previously known for his work on Hollyoaks, described landing the part as “a dream come true.”
“From it being the soundtrack to my childhood, always on in the background at home, 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,” he said.
Executive producer Ben Wadey expressed enthusiasm about the casting, stating: “We’re delighted to welcome Matthew to EastEnders, and he has been a fantastic addition to the cast.”
Matthew James-Bailey has joined the cast of EastEnders as Detective Constable Craig Ingram
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Craig will arrive in Walford this summer as a younger colleague of Detective Inspector Jack Branning.
The character is being introduced after Jack’s superior becomes concerned about his ability to manage professional responsibilities alongside personal difficulties.
Denise Fox, as viewers are aware, received a diagnosis of acute myeloid leukaemia, an aggressive blood cancer requiring immediate treatment.
Jack has remained at her side throughout, making regular hospital visits during her care.
The former Hollyoaks star said landing the role was ‘a dream come true’
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However, the demands of supporting Denise while maintaining his detective duties have raised concerns, prompting Craig’s assignment to assume some of Jack’s caseload.
The new officer will soon find himself investigating matters close to Albert Square.
Mr James-Bailey first made his Hollyoaks debut back in 2016 with a single episode appearance as Jake, a character who dated John Paul McQueen.
He returned to the Channel 4 soap five years later in a more substantial capacity, taking on the role of Ethan Williams.
During his three-year stint from 2021 to 2024, the quick-witted barman became embroiled in several dramatic plots, including the kidnapping of Darren Osborne and a romance with Sienna Blake.
His tenure concluded tragically when Ethan was killed on his wedding day, pushed from a balcony by his new bride Sienna following a heated confrontation.
Mr Wadey confirmed that Craig’s presence in Walford will form part of a narrative centred on the Branning family, set to develop throughout the summer months.
The Brannings, including Jack and his brother Max, are positioned at the heart of upcoming drama, with a flash-forward sequence broadcast earlier this year teasing events from a highly anticipated New Year’s Day episode.
Executive producer Ben Wadey said Matthew James-Bailey has been a ‘fantastic addition’ to the EastEnders cast
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Mr James-Bailey has already commenced filming, with his scenes scheduled to air during the summer period.
Beyond his soap work, the actor has appeared in Russell T Davies’ BBC drama Cucumber.