BBC suspends EastEnders’ Jamie Borthwick for using disabled slur during Strictly Come Dancing stint
The BBC has suspended EastEnders actor Jamie Borthwick after he used a disability slur to describe residents of Blackpool whilst filming Strictly Come Dancing last year.
The 30-year-old actor, who has played Jay Brown in the soap since 2006, made the offensive remark during rehearsals at the Blackpool Tower Ballroom last November.
A mobile phone video emerged showing Borthwick using the offensive term about local people, prompting action from the corporation.
When contacted by GB News, a BBC spokesperson said: “This language is entirely unacceptable and in no way reflects the values or standards we hold and expect at the BBC. We have robust processes in place for this.”
The incident occurred during the dance competition’s flagship Blackpool week, where Borthwick was competing with professional partner Michelle Tsiakkas.
Borthwick issued a comprehensive apology through the publication, 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.”
The actor acknowledged his ignorance about the term’s meaning, saying: “It is no excuse, but I did not fully understand the derogatory term I used and its meaning. That is on me completely.”
He continued: “Now I am aware, I am deeply embarrassed to have used the term and directed it in the way I did. It was wrong.”
Borthwick added that whilst he was “excited and caught up in the moment”, this provided no excuse for his “regrettable actions”.
Disability equality charity Scope condemned the remarks as “ignorant and hurtful”, with media manager Warren Kirwan stating: “Attitudes and language like this are never acceptable.”
Speaking to The Sun on Sunday, Kirwan emphasised the broader impact of such language, adding: “It’s not just ignorant and hurtful to disabled people, it has wider consequences.
“Negative attitudes hold disabled people back in all areas of life from getting a job to shopping on the high street.”
The charity urged Borthwick to “reflect on what he said, educate himself and do better.”
They added: “We hope he takes the opportunity to get to know the reality of disabled people’s lives.”
Blackpool Council’s Conservative group leader Paul Galley also condemned the comments, saying: “Everyone will be shocked at such a horrible comment and I join them in condemning it.”
The footage was recorded backstage during rehearsals with Strictly co-star Wynne Evans, who can be heard saying “Oh my God” in the video that was later sent to a friend.
Borthwick and Tsiakkas had received praise for their jive performance to The Ketchup Song during the live Blackpool show on November 16.
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This marks the second controversy involving Borthwick and Evans in recent months. In April, the same publication revealed both were reprimanded by BBC bosses for sharing a joke about a sex toy video backstage at the Strictly tour in Birmingham.
Evans was subsequently removed from the Strictly tour in January following an inappropriate sexual comment allegation and has since been told his BBC Radio Wales contract will not be renewed after a four-month investigation.