BBC 'axe' EastEnders star Jamie Borthwick after 19-year stint on soap following Strictly controversies

WATCH HERE: Jamie Borthwick's exit speech after being eliminated from BBC Strictly Come Dancing in 2024

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BBC

Olivia Gantzer

By Olivia Gantzer


Published: 08/09/2025

- 11:24

The actor was involved in a couple of controversies during last year's BBC Strictly, which came to light this year

The BBC is understood to have ended Jamie Borthwick's nearly two-decade run on EastEnders, with the corporation confirming the 31-year-old actor will not return to the long-running soap opera.

The decision follows Mr Borthwick's suspension in June after he used derogatory language about disabled people whilst describing Blackpool locals during Strictly Come Dancing filming in the seaside resort.


Mr Borthwick, who portrayed funeral director Jay Brown since 2006, ranks among the programme's most enduring cast members.

The broadcaster released a brief statement recently, telling The Mirror: "We can confirm that Jamie Borthwick will not be returning to EastEnders. We do not comment on individual matters."

Jamie Borthwick

Jamie Borthwick was initially suspended from BBC EastEnders in June

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The performer is believed to have learned of management's final verdict only recently, with sources noting he appeared dejected whilst running errands near his residence earlier this week.

Mobile phone footage captured Mr Borthwick using offensive terminology about disabled individuals when referring to Blackpool inhabitants during the dance competition's visit to the Lancashire town.

The BBC declared his remarks "entirely unacceptable and in no way reflects the values or standards we hold and expect" when the incident emerged.

Disability organisation Scope urged the performer to contemplate his words and broaden his understanding of disabled people's experiences.

Jamie Borthwick as Jay Brown

EastEnders' long-serving actor Jamie Borthwick has been axed from the soap

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BBC

The charity stated: "We hope he takes the opportunity to get to know the reality of disabled people's lives."

The corporation had initially indicated Mr Borthwick would resume filming this month following his suspension.

However, management ultimately seem to have decided against his return, with the BBC previously emphasising that "inappropriate behaviour and language will not be tolerated."

Mr Borthwick issued an extensive public statement in June, expressing remorse for his actions and acknowledging his lack of awareness about the term's meaning.

"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," he stated.

The soap star admitted feeling "deeply embarrassed" and stressed that his comments didn't represent his genuine beliefs.

He praised Blackpool's hospitality towards the Strictly production and apologised unreservedly.

Throughout his EastEnders tenure, Mr Borthwick earned significant recognition, securing a British Soap Award for outstanding young dramatic performance at 13 and an Inside Soap Award for leading actor.

Strictly Come Dancing 2025 tour

Jamie Borthwick came under fire when footage taken during his BBC Strictly stint last year emerged

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He also triumphed in the 2023 Strictly Christmas special. During his participation in the last year's Strictly series, where he partnered with professional dancer Michelle Tsiakkas and reached Blackpool week before elimination in November, Mr Borthwick faced additional controversy.

A video surfaced showing him and fellow contestant Wynne Evans engaging in inappropriate backstage antics involving a sex toy during the live tour.

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Jamie Borthwick and Michelle Tsiakkas

Jamie Borthwick was partnered in last year's BBC Strictly with Michelle Tsiakkas

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The footage, which Mr Borthwick reportedly circulated in the contestants' WhatsApp group, prompted BBC management to remind both participants of their professional obligations.

Sources described the behaviour as "extremely immature and inappropriate" for a family programme, noting that numerous cast members found their conduct distasteful.

Opera performer Mr Evans, 53, subsequently faced removal from the Strictly tour following a sexual remark he later disputed.