EASTENDERS star Jamie Borthwick was last night suspended by the BBC for using a slur against disabled people while on the set of Strictly.
The actor, 30, apologised for “any offence and upset” after aiming the sick jibe at locals in Blackpool.
Disability equality charity Scope added: “Attitudes and language like this are never acceptable.”
The EastEnders star has now been suspended by the BBC after a video emerged of him on the Strictly set using the term “m********s” to describe the people of Blackpool, the seaside town where the show was being filmed.
The Sun on Sunday understands his career is hanging in the balance despite a grovelling apology.
A source said: “No matter how tricky this is for EastEnders’ continuity and plot-lines, Jamie has been suspended.
It beggars belief he could say something like this.”
Jamie — Jay Brown in the soap — made the offensive remark while the Strictly cast and crew were at the Blackpool Tower Ballroom last November for the live show.
The clip — sent to a pal — shows him backstage during rehearsals with co-star Wynne Evans.
The pair were sharing their excitement after being told they had been selected for the lucrative Strictly tour, staged nationwide earlier this year.
Jamie, laughing, says: “Blackpool by the way. Absolute m********s.”
The BBC said in a statement: “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.”
Last night Jamie, who joined EastEnders in 2006, told The Sun on Sunday: “I want to apologise sincerely and wholeheartedly for the words I used in the video showing my reaction to making it through Blackpool week on Strictly.
“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.
“When I made the video, I was excited and caught up in the moment. Again, that is no excuse. But my regrettable actions are not a true reflection of my views, or who I am.
“I enjoyed every minute of my time in the Blackpool Tower Ballroom and the town itself. The people of Blackpool have always been amazing with the Strictly crew, dancers and cast members.
“I know they will be again for this year’s show and those in years to come. I am truly sorry.”
However, Blackpool Council’s Tory group leader Paul Galley said: “Blackpool’s best asset is its amazing people, along with the millions of people from around the UK who genuinely love the town.
“Everyone will be shocked at such a horrible comment and I join them in condemning it.”
This latest shock comes after opera singer Wynne, 53, was booted off the Strictly tour in January accused of making an inappropriate sexual comment.
He later revealed his BBC Radio Wales contract is not being renewed following a four-month investigation.
In April, The Sun on Sunday told how Jamie and Wynne were rapped by BBC bosses for sharing a backstage joke over a sex toy video when the tour was in Birmingham.
The source at the corporation said: “Jamie was flying close to the wind with his behaviour but this is the final straw. The BBC will not be seen to condone any behaviour of this kind.
“Suspending Jamie, subject to an internal investigation, shows the public just how seriously it is being taken, and the collective sorrow it shares with anyone offended by this language.”
Warren Kirwan, media manager at disabled charity Scope, said: “Attitudes and language like this are never acceptable.
“It’s not just ignorant and hurtful to disabled people, it has wider consequences. Negative attitudes hold disabled people back in all areas of life from getting a job to shopping on the high street.
“Mr Borthwick needs to reflect on what he said, educate himself and do better.
“We hope he takes the opportunity to get to know the reality of disabled people’s lives.”
It’s not just ignorant and hurtful to disabled people, it has wider consequences. Negative attitudes hold disabled people back in all areas of life from getting a job to shopping on the high street
Warren Kirwan, Scope
A source explained the outrage was particularly embarrassing to the BBC as the Blackpool show is the “jewel in the crown” of the Strictly series — with celebs and pro dancers often saying how much they enjoy performing there.
They added: “This will be considered a real blow and hugely embarrassing to the BBC and the show’s very warm relationship with the people of Blackpool and the Blackpool Tower Ballroom.”
Jamie and his professional dance partner Michelle Tsiakkas were lauded after dancing the jive to The Ketchup Song by Las Ketchup on the Strictly show from Blackpool on November 16.
In EastEnders, Jamie’s character Jay was in a relationship with Honey Mitchell, whose daughter Janet has Down’s syndrome.
