EastEnders to revisit Amy Mitchell struggle as grooming storyline continues

EastEnders’ Amy Mitchell falls for DC Craig Ingram’s persuasive charms again next week, as she chooses him over Denzel Danes!

The pair get closer as Amy opens up to the creepy police officer and shares her deepest fears. But when Craig sees her self-harm scars, she runs off…

Related: Best streaming services

"Craig’s been grooming Amy from the moment he met her," explains our Walford insider. "He’s now encouraging her to be vulnerable with him and to open her heart. He wants her to believe that she can trust him with her deepest secrets – and it’s working!"

Having not heard from Craig in a while, Amy is frustrated when her messages to him are left unanswered. When he finally agrees to meet up, he blames his busy work schedule for the radio silence.

But his efforts to blow hot and cold are on purpose. And unbeknown to Amy, Jack tells Denise that Craig has recently been suspended…

Amy is thrilled to have Craig’s full attention again and enjoys the company of a more mature man. When the criminal cop encourages her to talk to him, before long she’s sharing personal and heartfelt stories about losing her mum, Roxy, and why this makes Denise’s illness so hard to cope with.

Craig lays the compassion on thick, but when he sees her self-harm scars, Amy panics and runs away.

Related: EastEnders' Kat to investigate Zoe's shocking death amid deadly Max secret

However, this wobble from Amy gives Craig the perfect way back in – and soon, she chooses him over ex-boyfriend Denzel! How strong will Amy’s feelings get before she realises that Craig is bad news?

Last week, EastEnders officially announced this grooming storyline, which will play out on screen over the next few months.

Craig will continue to manipulate Amy, creating an environment where she is convinced that he is the only person in her life who she can trust and ultimately putting her in huge danger.

Related: 8 huge EastEnders spoilers for next week (21 to 24 September)

To portray this harrowing story accurately, EastEnders is working closely with a number of charities and experts in this subject matter.

"When telling a storyline like Amy’s, we have a huge responsibility to highlight and raise awareness of the warning signs of grooming," said the soap’s executive producer Ben Wadey in a statement.

"We’re grateful to be working with Barnardo’s and End Violence Against Women to help us tell this story."

EastEnders has been working on Amy's grooming storyline with support from Barnardo's and End Violence Against Women, with support and information available via their websites.

EastEnders airs on Mondays-Thursdays at 7.30pm on BBC One. The show also streams on BBC iPlayer, where most episodes drop early at 6am ahead of their TV broadcast.