Former EastEnders star Jamie Borthwick has posted a melancholic Christmas message to his followers, months after being dramatically axed from the long-running BBC soap opera.
A Sombre Festive Greeting
In a rare social media update, the 31-year-old actor, who played Jay Brown for nearly two decades, shared a black-and-white photograph of himself looking downcast while wearing a paper Christmas hat. The image was accompanied by a caption that read: "Wishing everybody a very merry Christmas and let's hope for a slightly better 2026 for us all xx." He added a peering face emoji and a face giggling emoji.
Borthwick has largely remained off social media since his departure from Albert Square was confirmed in September 2025. His sombre post marks a reflective end to a turbulent year for the actor.
The Scandal and Suspension
The actor's exit from EastEnders followed his suspension earlier in the year. This disciplinary action came after footage emerged showing Borthwick using a severely derogatory term for people with disabilities to describe residents of Blackpool. The incident occurred while he was in the seaside town filming for Strictly Come Dancing.
In a statement at the time, the BBC said the language caught on a phone clip was "entirely unacceptable and in no way reflects the values or standards we hold and expect." BBC Studios, which produces the soap, later confirmed his departure with a brief statement: "We can confirm that Jamie Borthwick will not be returning to EastEnders. We do not comment on individual matters."
Apology and Aftermath
In June 2025, Borthwick issued a public apology. He stated: "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."
The charity Scope responded to the incident, urging the actor to reflect and educate himself. A spokesperson said: "We hope he takes the opportunity to get to know the reality of disabled people’s lives."
Following the final decision to axe him, Borthwick was reportedly only informed days before the news became public. He had been expected to return to filming after his suspension but was instead permanently let go. The BBC reinforced its position, stating: "We are very clear on our expectations that inappropriate behaviour and language will not be tolerated."
Borthwick first joined the cast of EastEnders in 2006, becoming a familiar face as the manager of the soap's funeral home. His abrupt departure and the circumstances surrounding it mark a significant fall from grace for the once-popular actor.
