Who plays Drake Zagan on EastEnders? All you need to know about Joel's influencer idol

Joel's been spending too much time listening to toxic men online
Joel Harley
By Joel Harley

Disturbed youth Joel Marshall shared a bonding moment with his dad on EastEnders tonight (Wednesday, August 6), showing him a series of videos from influencer idol Drake Zagan. Drake Zagan, for the uninitiated, is the online activist responsible for Joel’s vile views on women.

Drake was first introduced back in June, as Joel showed a bemused Tommy one of Drake’s videos on YouTube… sorry, VideoVole. Tommy was initially dismissive of Drake’s hateful messaging, but it’s clear that his words have had a far more profound impact on Joel.

And, following his outburst in The Queen Vic last night, Drake returned to EastEnders tonight, with more foul-tasting food for thought.

Ross watches a Drake Zagan video on VideoVole
Ross got an insight into his son’s mind (Credit: BBC/VideoVole)

Ross made a terrible discovery tonight

In an attempt to get through to Joel after his verbal assault on Kat, Ross  shared a bonding moment with his son in EastEnders tonight. As Joel tried to explain his perspective on women, he showed his dad a video from his beloved Drake Zagan.

Not recognising the seriousness of what he’s watching, Ross brushed Drake’s vile words off as mere ‘banter’ – although it was far more difficult to ignore the e-mail which popped up next. Disgusted by further evidence of Joel’s disturbed mind, Ross took action, and destroyed the laptop.

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But who plays Drake Zagan?

Drake Zagan in a video on Joel's laptop
Joel’s obsession with Drake Zagan has gone too far (Credit: BBC)

Who plays Drake Zagan on EastEnders?

Actor Craig Hamilton plays influencer and VideoVoler Drake Zagan. Prior to his turn in EastEnders, the actor also appeared in a 2020 episode of the TV miniseries Belgravia, and the 2021 short film hotel, in which he played a man named Jay Gatsby.

Craig also played Tommy Shelby in the interactive theatre experience Peaky Blinders: The Rise, stepping into the iconic shoes once filled by Cillian Murphy. Held inside the especially built Camden Garrison in London, the live show allowed fans to immerse themselves in the world of the Peaky Blinders, interacting with some of the show’s most well-known and beloved characters.

Read more: Who’s leaving, joining and returning to EastEnders? Complete list of cast exits, arrivals and returns.