EastEnders actor Matthew James-Bailey is about to cause a stir in Walford as dodgy copper DC Craig Ingram12:02, 04 Aug 2026Updated 12:02, 04 Aug 2026BBC EastEnders newcomer Matthew James-Bailey is no stranger to soapland, having once starred in Hollyoaks.‌Last month, DC Craig Ingram burst into Walford as the colleague of Jack Branning (Scott Maslen) and is now tasked with investigating the violent attack on Joel Marshall (Max Murray).‌Craig was handed police colleague Jack's criminal caseload as he struggles to support partner Denise Fox (Diane Parish) through her treatment for an aggressive form of blood cancer, acute myeloid leukemia.‌However, Craig is set to grow suspiciously close to Jack's teenage daughter, Amy Mitchell (Ellie Dadd), in forthcoming scenes, as he offers the teenager a shoulder to cry on, overstepping professional boundaries.As actor Matthew James-Bailey gets caught up in a major plot on EastEnders, here's everything you need to know about the actor.Who plays Craig in EastEnders?‌Actor Matthew James-Bailey, from London, is portraying the copper on the BBC soap and has expressed his excitement about his latest role. "Joining EastEnders has been a dream come true", he said."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."Soap fans will recognise 31-year-old Matthew as Ethan Williams on rival soap Hollyoaks. In November 2021, the character was introduced as one of the villains who had abducted Darren Osborne (Ashley Taylor Dawson).‌From money laundering, murder, and kidnapping, the mysterious villager managed to win over the hearts of soap fans across the nation.Over the course of three years, Ethan quickly became a favourite among viewers, leaving fans devastated when Ethan was abruptly killed off on his wedding day in October 2024. After heated arguments with his new bride, Sienna Blake (Anna Passey), he was shoved from a window and died.‌Ethan's dramatic exit came after Channel 4 bosses chose to axe Matthew from the soap as part of a significant cast reduction, coinciding with the show's shift to three episodes per week, reports the Mirror.In a chat with Digital Spy at the time, Matthew admitted he didn't want to leave the Chester base soap."It's really bittersweet," he said of his character's conclusion.‌"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!"Political careerDespite Matthew pursuing acting, he once set his sights on a career in politics. Born Matthew Lee Trevor Bailer, he studied Government and Politics as he passionately pursued a potential run for office and involvement in his local community.‌Ultimately, the star decided to go in a different direction and moved to Harlow College to study in a two-year performing arts programme.Soon after, he landed his first gig in the TV series Cucumber and cemented his place as a soap star on Hollyoaks. He's now EastEnders' latest mysterious copper.Secret talent‌Matthew is also a singer and regularly shares videos belting out impressive covers, including Post Malone's hit I Had Some Help alongside Oakley Orchard.Fans have wasted no time in praising the actor on his musical talents, with one person commenting on the social media post: "He can act, he can sing."A second stated: "Oh my God, I never knew Matthew can sing," while a third chimed in: "Ugh I love this sm, yous are amazing!! The song and your voices just hits the top."Article continues below"Not just a good actor but he can also sing as well what is something you can’t do," shared another.Away from the spotlight, Matthew tends to keep his romantic life private and is yet to announce a relationship.EastEnders airs Monday to Thursday on BBC One and iPlayer