EastEnders Viewers Express Fury Over Jay Brown's Controversial Departure
Fans of the long-running BBC soap opera EastEnders have been left seething with anger following the recent revelation of how character Jay Brown was written out of the show. Many have branded the exit storyline as the worst possible way to handle the departure of such a beloved and established figure from Albert Square.
The Off-Screen Exit That Sparked Outrage
Jay Brown, portrayed by actor Jamie Borthwick since his debut as a twelve-year-old troublemaker back in 2006, was last seen on-screen in August 2025. In a surprising turn of events, the character's departure was handled entirely off-screen, with the explanation that he had left Walford to care for his ailing grandfather Bert, who resides in the north of England.
The plot development unfolded during the episode aired on February 10th, when Jay's stepdaughter Lexi Pearce, still living in Walford, received a letter from him. The correspondence revealed that Jay and his new girlfriend Elena were expecting a baby together, and they extended an invitation for Lexi to visit them during the half-term break.
Fan Backlash and Character Consistency Concerns
This narrative choice has provoked a storm of criticism from dedicated viewers, who have taken to social media platform X to voice their displeasure. One fan expressed their frustration, writing: "I know they've had to write Jay out somehow but this is the worst way to explain his exit. Why would he get a woman pregnant off screen? It makes no sense and it feels out of character."
Another viewer highlighted what they perceived as a betrayal of Jay's established personality, stating: "Also Jay would never drop Lexi the way he has. He could've just been recast." This sentiment was echoed by multiple fans who pointed to Jay's deep commitment to Lexi, stemming from his promise to her late mother Lola Pearce, whom he had married.
Further criticism suggested alternative narrative paths, with one comment reading: "They should’ve wrote Lexi off with him and have her move out with Jay instead of ruining his character." The consensus among many fans is that the decision to have Jay seemingly abandon Lexi contradicts his previously demonstrated loyalty and paternal instincts.
Behind the Scenes: Actor's Departure and Controversy
The character's exit coincides with the real-world departure of actor Jamie Borthwick from the show. The thirty-one-year-old performer was axed from EastEnders in September 2025, following an earlier suspension that occurred after a video surfaced online showing him using a disabled slur.
Despite initial rumors suggesting a potential return for the actor, BBC executives ultimately made the decision to terminate his contract. A spokesperson for BBC Studios confirmed the departure, stating: "We can confirm that Jamie Borthwick will not be returning to EastEnders. We do not comment on individual matters."
Jay Brown's Legacy and Current Albert Square Developments
Jay Brown arrived in Albert Square as a young adolescent and quickly became integrated into the Mitchell family after the murder of his largely absent father Jase in 2008. Often referred to as Jay Mitchell, he developed a brotherly dynamic with Ben Mitchell, who is Lexi's biological father.
His relationship with and subsequent marriage to Lola Pearce, Lexi's mother, further cemented his place within the Walford community. The character's evolution from troubled youth to responsible father figure made his recent off-screen departure particularly jarring for long-term viewers.
In other EastEnders news, the soap has recently welcomed back fan favorite character Jake Moon, with actor Joel Beckett reprising the role he originally played from 2004 to 2006. Jake made a cameo appearance in 2024 and has returned for a short stint, reuniting with Chrissie Watts, who herself made a shock comeback in 2025.
Executive Producer Ben Wadey commented on the return, saying: "I'm delighted to welcome Joel Beckett back to the role of Jake Moon and EastEnders for this storyline. Jake's return will be a shock for many, but the biggest shocks of all will surround Jake and what he discovers about Christmas…"
EastEnders continues to air on BBC One and remains available for streaming on the BBC iPlayer platform, though the controversy surrounding Jay Brown's exit continues to dominate fan discussions across social media and online forums.
