EastEnders star Jamie Borthwick dealt fresh blow as BBC job ‘at risk’ following disabled slur while on Strictly Come Dancing
Jamie Borthwick’s 19-year tenure on EastEnders hangs in the balance following his suspension over a disability slur scandal that emerged last week.
The actor, who has portrayed Jay Brown since 2006, faces an uncertain future at the BBC soap after footage surfaced showing him using offensive language whilst backstage at Strictly Come Dancing.
The controversy erupted when a video from last year’s series showed Borthwick using an offensive term to describe Blackpool residents during the show’s annual special filming.
The BBC swiftly suspended the actor, stating the language was “entirely unacceptable” and did not reflect their values or standards.
Industry insiders now suggest his position at the long-running soap could be under serious threat.
The incident occurred during rehearsals with fellow contestant Wynne Evans, who was heard saying “Oh my God” when Borthwick made the remark.
The pair were reportedly celebrating their selection for the Strictly tour when Borthwick, laughing, said: “Blackpool by the way. Absolute m********s.”
The BBC responded with a formal statement confirming they had “robust processes in place” to address such matters.
The suspension has not significantly impacted filming schedules at EastEnders’ Elstree studios, according to sources.
This marks the second Strictly-related controversy for Borthwick, who previously faced criticism alongside Evans over a sex toy video filmed backstage.
BBC executives had formally addressed that incident, reminding both performers to maintain professional standards on the family show.
A source close to the production stared: “Jamie is well thought of but Jay hasn’t played a central role in the show for a while.”
Speaking to The Sun, they continued: “The character hasn’t had a major storyline recently – he’s been very much a supporting character of late.”
The insider revealed that Borthwick has made approximately 30 appearances on screen since last summer, having been occupied with Strictly commitments including the 2023 Christmas special and the full series in 2024.
The source added: “With a new boss in Ben Wadey who only recently took the helm and with the scandal taking place so soon into his tenure feeling is that Jamie’s place on the show could be at serious risk.”
GB News has contacted the BBC over the fresh reports.
Borthwick issued a comprehensive apology, stating: “I want to apologise sincerely and wholeheartedly for the words I used in the video showing my reaction to making it through Blackpool week on Strictly.
“I am deeply sorry for any offence and upset my words and actions have caused.”
He claimed he “did not fully understand the derogatory term I used and its meaning” but acknowledged this was “no excuse”.
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS
BBC suspends EastEnders’ Jamie Borthwick for using disabled slur during Strictly Come Dancing stintJamie Borthwick ‘dumped’ by girlfriend amid ‘shocking’ Wynne Evans BBC Strictly sex toy stormJamie Borthwick and Wynne Evans in fresh BBC Strictly scandal as ‘shocking’ sex toy video surfaces
The actor expressed deep embarrassment and insisted his “regrettable actions are not a true reflection of my views, or who I am.”
Borthwick praised Blackpool residents, saying they “have always been amazing with the Strictly crew, dancers and cast members” and concluded: “I am truly sorry.”