Amy and Craig on EastEnders on August 17, 2026 / BBC
EastEnders youngster Amy Mitchell (Ellie Dadd) is involved in a grooming storyline, it has been confirmed.
For weeks viewers have seen the 17-year-old grow close to DC Craig Ingram (Matthew James-Bailey), a colleague of her dad Jack (Scott Maslen) – and recently confessed to him that she was the one who attacked Joel (Max Murray).
Craig has agreed to keep her secret safe from his superiors, although she is unaware that he has actually been suspended from public duty due to a series of complaints.
In the months ahead Craig will increasingly use his position of control – and Amy’s fear of being reported – to the point that she ends up in a dangerous situation where she believes that he is the only one she can trust.
The storyline was developed in conjunction with Barnardo’s and End Violence Against Women in order to accurately portray Amy’s predicament.
Lynn Perry, chief executive at Barnardo’s, said: “We welcomed the opportunity to provide expert advice on this storyline – which is a powerful reminder that there is no stereotypical victim or perpetrator of grooming. Young people from all walks of life can be targeted and fall victim to controlling behaviour – and many are often unaware that they are being groomed.
“We hope this important storyline can highlight how subtle the signs of grooming can be and how it builds over time. To any viewers who recognise themselves in this story – who may be currently experiencing abuse or might have in the past – we hope this storyline shows you that the abuse was not your fault and we encourage you to seek support.
“We appreciate the writing team’s professional curiosity and determination to get this story right.”
New episodes of EastEnders drop Mondays to Thursdays at 6am on iPlayer and also air the same night at 7.30pm on BBC One.
