The BBC has suspended EastEnders actor Jamie Borthwick after he used an ableist slur in a video filmed on the set of Strictly Come Dancing. The 30-year-old, who plays Jay Brown on the soap, was recorded using the term to describe the people of Blackpool, where the programme was being filmed, according to The Sun on Sunday.
A BBC spokesperson said: “This language is entirely unacceptable and in no way reflects the values or standards we hold and expect at the BBC. We have robust processes in place for this.” The Guardian has not independently verified the slur used in the video.
Warren Kirwan, media manager at disability equality charity Scope, condemned the language, stating: “Attitudes and language like this are never acceptable. It’s not just ignorant and hurtful to disabled people, it has wider consequences. Mr Borthwick needs to reflect on what he said, educate himself and do better.”
Borthwick, who won the Strictly 2023 Christmas special and was eliminated in week 10 of the most recent series, issued a full apology. He said: “I want to apologise sincerely… I did not fully understand the derogatory term I used and its meaning. I was excited and caught up in the moment… I am deeply sorry.”
The incident comes after fellow Strictly contestant Wynne Evans was dropped by the BBC earlier this year for using “inappropriate language” during the tour launch. Evans, who will no longer present on BBC Radio Wales, said he planned to take time for self-reflection.
