Former EastEnders actor Jamie Borthwick has posted a sombre Christmas message to fans, appearing downcast in a new selfie just months after his dramatic exit from the BBC soap.
A Subdued Festive Greeting
The 31-year-old star, who played Jay Brown for nearly two decades, was axed from EastEnders in September. His departure followed a suspension earlier in the year after a video surfaced showing him using an offensive disabled slur.
Jamie has kept a low profile on social media since the controversy but broke his silence over the festive period. He shared a black-and-white photo of himself wearing a paper Christmas cracker hat, managing a faint smile.
Alongside the image, he wrote: 'Wishing everyone a merry Christmas and let’s hope for a slightly better 2026 for us all xx.'
The Incident and Fallout
The actor was filmed using the derogatory term 'm********s' while backstage during his time on Strictly Come Dancing in 2023. In the clip, fellow contestant Wynne Evans can be heard reacting with 'Oh my God' to the remark.
Despite issuing a public apology and stating he did not fully understand the meaning of the word at the time, BBC bosses decided to terminate his long-running role. A spokesperson for BBC Studios confirmed in a statement: 'We can confirm that Jamie Borthwick will not be returning to EastEnders.' They added, 'We do not comment on individual matters.'
At the height of the scandal, the BBC said the language used was 'entirely unacceptable and in no way reflects the values or standards we hold and expect at the BBC.'
Second Strictly Controversy
This was not Jamie's only Strictly-related controversy. He and Wynne Evans were also reportedly reprimanded by BBC executives over a separate video involving a sex toy.
Footage obtained in April showed Jamie smiling as he held up the item, claiming Evans had sent it to a tour arena reception. The actor reportedly shared this clip on the Strictly contestants' WhatsApp group.
An Apology and Aftermath
Following the slur incident, Jamie issued a sincere apology. He said: 'I want to apologise sincerely and wholeheartedly for the words I used... 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.'
His recent, muted Christmas post suggests the actor is still grappling with the professional and personal consequences of the events that led to his departure from Walford.
