BREAKING🔴: EastEnders star Jamie Borthwick AXED from BBC soap after 19 years
Jamie Borthwick, a long-standing actor on EastEnders, has been axed from the BBC soap after 19 years. The 31-year-old, one of the show’s longest-serving cast members, was informed that his tenure in Albert Square had come to an end. BBC Studios, the production company behind the soap, confirmed: “We can confirm that Jamie Borthwick will not be returning to EastEnders. We do not comment on individual matters.”
The actor, who portrays funeral home manager Jay Brown, is believed he was only recently informed of the management’s decision. This follows his suspension in June for using a derogatory term for people with disabilities to describe Blackpool residents while filming Strictly in the coastal town.
At the time, the BBC stated that his language, captured in a phone clip, was “entirely unacceptable and in no way reflects the values or standards we hold and expect”, reports the Mirror. Jamie was reportedly due to return to the set this month to resume filming following the suspension. The BBC said at the time: “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.
“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 performer triumphed in the Strictly Christmas special in 2023 and took part in last year’s series, when he was partnered with professional dancer Michelle Tsiakkas.
He progressed to Blackpool week but was subsequently eliminated in November. The offensive remark wasn’t his sole contentious incident on Strictly.
The performer was branded “immature” after footage surfaced of him and fellow contestant Wynne Evans larking about backstage and wielding a s3x t0y during the live tour. Jamie is said to have shared the video in the contestants’ WhatsApp group, a move that did not sit well with BBC bosses who promptly reminded both contestants of their responsibilities.
Opera singer Wynne, 53, was subsequently dropped from the Strictly tour following a s3xual remark, which he later denied.
