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BBC EastEnders casts major star from rival soap two years after tragic exit

A star from a rival major soap is joining EastEnders after his character was brutally killed off back in 2024.

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EastEnders is welcoming a fresh new face on the show

EastEnders is bringing a fresh face to Walford, though actor Matthew James-Bailey will be recognised by soap enthusiasts.

The performer previously featured in Hollyoaks as Ethan Williams, who met his demise in a shocking conclusion. James-Bailey is set to join EastEnders as DC Craig Ingram, arriving in Walford this summer as part of a significant new storyline. The officer is drafted in to handle Jack Branning's (Scott Maslen) caseload.

This occurs when his superiors believe he's finding it difficult to juggle work while looking after his poorly wife Denise Fox (Diane Parish), who has received a cancer diagnosis. As Craig throws himself into his duties, he quickly becomes involved in a case connected to Albert Square.

Several scenes have already been shot and are scheduled to broadcast later this year. Speaking about his casting, James-Bailey commented: "Joining EastEnders has been a dream come true.

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Actor Matthew James-Bailey is joining the cast of EastEnders(Image: CREDIT LINE:BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron)

"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."

On competing soap Hollyoaks, Ethan Williams began as one of the villains who had abducted Darren Osborne (Ashley Taylor Dawson).

He quickly became a viewer favourite, leaving fans devastated when Ethan was abruptly killed off on his wedding day in 2024. After heated arguments with his new bride Sienna Blake (Anna Passey), he was shoved from a window and perished.

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The star previously played the role of Ethan Williams(Image: Channel 4)

The departure was orchestrated as Channel 4 chiefs chose to cut James-Bailey from the soap in 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, James-Bailey confessed that he had no desire to exit the show.

"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!"

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The character will be there to handle Jack Branning's cases(Image: CREDIT LINE:BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron)

He went on to say that his main aim was to "serve the Hollyoaks fans and give them what they want" and that he "wouldn't have chosen to kill the character off".

James-Bailey expressed his wish to "have an open end", feeling this was what fans deserved "so they can hang onto a glimmer of hope".

Ahead of his stint in EastEnders, which is yet to be confirmed as temporary or permanent, executive producer Ben Wadey stated: "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."

EastEnders airs Monday-Thursday at 7:30pm on BBC One.

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