Actor Jamie Borthwick, who has been on the soap since 2006, has been axed after talks with show bosses, the Mirror understands
Jamie, famed for playing Jay Brown, has been axed after 19 years on the BBC soap opera(Image: ISOIMAGES LTD)
EastEnders actor Jamie Borthwick has been axed by the BBC from the soap after 19 years. The 31-year-old, one of the hit show’s longest-serving cast members, was told his time in Albert Square was over.
BBC Studios, which makes the soap, said: “We can confirm that Jamie Borthwick will not be returning to EastEnders. We do not comment on individual matters.”
The star, who plays funeral home manager Jay Brown, was spotted looking downcast and unshaven this week as he picked up bread and ham from a shop near his home. It is understood he was only told in recent days of the bosses’ decision.
It comes after he was suspended in June for using an offensive term for people with disabilities to describe Blackpool residents while filming Strictly in the seaside town.
The BBC said at the time that his language, caught in a clip on a phone, was “entirely unacceptable and in no way reflects the values or standards we hold and expect”.
Disability charity Scope said then that Jamie should reflect on what he had said and educate himself. It added: “We hope he takes the opportunity to get to know the reality of disabled people’s lives.”
Jamie was reportedly set to return to set this month to recommence filming after the suspension. The BBC did not comment on speculation at the time but said in a statement that “each case is always considered on its own facts”, adding: “We are very clear on our expectations that inappropriate behaviour and language will not be tolerated.”
But bosses have now shown the actor the door. Jamie, who joined the soap in 2006 and won a British Soap Award for best dramatic performance from a young actor at age 13 plus an Inside Soap Award for best actor, issued a public apology after making the slur.
He said in June: “I am deeply sorry for any offence and upset my words and actions have caused. It is no excuse, but I did not fully understand the derogatory term I used and its meaning. That is on me completely. Now I am aware, I am deeply embarrassed to have used the term and directed it in the way I did. It was wrong.
“When I made the video, I was excited and caught up in the moment. Again, that is no excuse. But my regrettable actions are not a true reflection of my views, or who I am.
He had played the role of Jay Brown since 2006(Image: BBC)
“I enjoyed every minute of my time in the Blackpool Tower Ballroom and the town itself. The people of Blackpool have always been amazing with the Strictly crew, dancers and cast members… I am truly sorry.”
The actor won the Strictly Christmas special in 2023 and competed in last year’s series, when he was paired with professional dancer Michelle Tsiakkas.
He made it through to Blackpool week but was later voted off in November. The slur was not his only controversial moment on Strictly. The actor was labelled “immature” after a video emerged of him and fellow contestant Wynne Evans joking backstage and brandishing a sex toy on the live tour.
Jamie allegedly shared the clip on the contestants’ WhatsApp group. BBC bosses were reportedly unimpressed and reminded both contestants of their responsibilities. Opera singer Wynne, 53, was later axed from the Strictly tour after using a sexual remark, which he later denied.
A source told another publication: “The men were acting extremely immaturely and inappropriately, considering it was a family show, and many cast members didn’t share their crass sense of humour.
“Bosses were horrified and shocked, hoping to nip the issue in the bud, unaware the video had been shared more widely.”
Jamie was approached by this newspaper for comment.
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