Former EastEnders actor Jamie Borthwick has made his first appearance on social media since being dismissed from the BBC soap for using an offensive disabled slur. The 31-year-old, who played Jay Brown for nearly two decades, was officially sacked in September after a video of the incident surfaced earlier this year.
The Controversial Incident and Fallout
The controversy stemmed from a video filmed during his time on Strictly Come Dancing last year. Borthwick was recorded using a highly offensive term for people with disabilities. The clip, which was shared publicly, led to his immediate suspension and a subsequent internal investigation by BBC bosses.
In a statement released at the time, a spokesperson for BBC Studios confirmed the actor's departure, stating: 'We can confirm that Jamie Borthwick will not be returning to EastEnders. We do not comment on individual matters.' The BBC also condemned the language used, calling it "entirely unacceptable" and stating it "in no way reflects the values or standards we hold and expect at the BBC."
Borthwick issued a public apology, expressing deep embarrassment. He claimed he did not fully understand the derogatory nature of the term at the time. "I want to apologise sincerely and wholeheartedly," he said. "It is no excuse, but I did not fully understand the derogatory term I used and its meaning."
A Return to Social Media and Past Controversies
On Thursday, Borthwick broke his social media silence to support his sister, Samantha. Sharing a picture of them together on Instagram, he wrote: "Well done sis so proud of ya," as she completed a fitness competition. This marks his first online activity since the sacking.
This was not the actor's first Strictly-related controversy. In April, he and fellow contestant Wynne Evans were reportedly reprimanded by BBC bosses over a separate video involving a sex toy. Footage obtained by The Sun showed Borthwick backstage with the item, which he claimed Evans had sent to him. This clip was reportedly shared on the Strictly contestants' WhatsApp group.
End of an Era on Albert Square
Jamie Borthwick's dismissal concludes a long tenure on one of British television's most iconic shows. He joined EastEnders in 2006 as a child and became one of its longest-serving cast members. His performance earned him a British Soap Award in 2008 and the Inside Soap Award for Best Actor in 2023.
He was central to some of the soap's most poignant storylines, most notably the heart-wrenching death of his on-screen partner, Lola Pearce, from brain cancer. The storyline's impact extended beyond the screen, with Borthwick and co-star Emma Barton running the 2024 London Marathon in character to raise money in Lola's memory.
His departure from Walford is now permanent, closing a significant chapter for both the actor and the show. The decision by BBC executives underscores the corporation's stance on the use of offensive language, despite Borthwick's apology and his long history with the programme.
