Hollyoaks star Matthew James-Bailey has joined EastEnders two years after admitting that it 'wasn't his choice to leave' the previous soap amid a 'bittersweet' ending20:08, 11 Jul 2026Updated 20:46, 11 Jul 2026EastEnders is welcoming a new face to Walford, but actor Matthew James-Bailey will be familiar to soap fans. The star previously appeared on Hollyoaks as Ethan Williams, who was killed off in a brutal ending.‌James-Bailey is joining EastEnders as DC Craig Ingram, who arrives in Walford this summer as part of a major new storyline. The policeman is brought in to cover Jack Branning's (Scott Maslen) workload.‌This comes when his bosses suspect he's struggling to balance work with caring for his sick wife Denise Fox (Diane Parish), who has been diagnosed with cancer. As Craig gets stuck into his work, he soon picks up a case with links to Albert Square.‌Some scenes have already been filmed, and will air later this year. On joining the cast, 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.”‌The actor previously played Ethan Williams on rival soap Hollyoaks. The character started as one of the criminals who had kidnapped Darren Osborne (Ashley Taylor Dawson).He soon became a fan favourite, so fans were left disappointed when Ethan was suddenly killed off on his wedding day in 2024. Following explosive rows with his new wife Sienna Blake (Anna Passey), he was pushed from a window and died.The exit was constructed as Channel 4 bosses had decided to axe James-Bailey from the soap as part of a huge cast reduction, which came as the show moved to three episodes a week.‌Speaking to Digital Spy at the time, James-Bailey revealed that he did not want to leave the show. "It's really bittersweet," he said of the ending. "It's come to an end a lot sooner than I would have liked."In previous interviews, I've said that I'd happily stay at Hollyoaks forever. It wasn't my choice to leave, but that's just the way that the game works, unfortunately!"Article continues belowHe added that all he wanted to do was "serve the Hollyoaks fans and give them what they want" and that he "wouldn't have chosen to kill the character off". James-Bailey said he wanted to "have an open end" and gelt this was what fans deserved "so they can hang onto a glimmer of hope".Ahead of his appearance in EastEnders, which hasn't yet been confirmed as temporary or permanent, 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 Brannings that will unfold this summer.”Like this story? For more of the latest showbiz news and gossip, follow Mirror Celebs on TikTok , Snapchat , Instagram , Twitter , Facebook , YouTube and Threads .