Soap star Matthew James-Bailey joins EastEnders cast: ‘A dream come true’

Soap star Matthew James-Bailey has said it is a “dream come true” to join the cast of EastEnders for a major new storyline this summer.

The 31-year-old actor, best known for appearing in Hollyoaks, will play Detective Constable Craig Ingram as he makes his debut on the BBC soap.

His character will join Walford’s police force, having been brought in to take over the workload of beloved Detective Inspector Jack Branning (Scott Maslen) who is struggling to balance his job and his turbulent personal life.

Branning is at the centre of a blood cancer storyline involving his wife Denise Fox – played by Diane Parish – who viewers have seen undergoing treatment for acute myeloid leukaemia.

DC Ingram will arrive in Walford this summer and will begin working on a case close to Albert Square and is said to be linked to a new storyline involving the Branning family.

James-Bailey said: “Joining EastEnders has been 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.”

EastEnders executive producer Ben Wadey said: “We’re delighted to welcome Matthew to EastEnders, and he has been a fantastic addition to the cast.

“Craig’s presence in Walford forms part of a storyline involving the Branning’s that will unfold this summer.”

The beloved soap family – currently helmed by Jack Branning and his notorious brother Max (Jake Wood) – will be at the centre of the drama in the highly-anticipated New Year’s Day episode, as revealed in a flash-forward which aired at the start of this year.

James-Bailey has appeared in shows such as BBC drama Cucumber, which was created by former Doctor Who showrunner Russell T Davies.

In 2021, he landed a role in Channel 4 soap opera Hollyoaks as the charismatic and troubled Ethan Williams – with storylines involving kidnap and accidental murder before his tragic on-screen death in 2024.

EastEnders is available to watch on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.