He was reportedly suspended by the BBC after the footage emerged
EastEnders actor Jamie Borthwick has expressed he is "deeply sorry" for using an offensive term regarding disabled individuals, and reports indicate he's been suspended from the popular BBC soap. The revelation comes half a year after his participation in the BBC's Strictly Come Dancing, which is when the incident reportedly occurred.
Borthwick, who has played Jay Brown on EastEnders since 2006, has allegedly been put on hiatus following the emergence of a video where he used the derogatory language, apparently shared with friends. It's understood that the recording features Borthwick uttering a disparaging word aimed at individuals in Blackpool, coinciding with a special Strictly Come Dancing broadcast from Blackpool Tower Ballroom. The term in question is considered an abhorrent slur against disabled people.
The unfortunate choice of words has drawn criticism from disability charity Scope and a Blackpool official. There's word going around that Jamie was captured on video saying the term, which was then circulated among one of his mates.
In an apologetic confession shared by The Sun on Sunday, the actor stated: "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," reports the Mirror.
"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."
He later apologised to the people of Blackpool and reiterated his remorse for his choice of words. The Mirror has reached out to the star's rep for a statement.
The Sun alleges that he's been given the boot from EastEnders. When pressed for a response, a BBC spokesperson stated to The Mirror: "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."
Only last year, Jamie was seen busting moves on Strictly where he was teamed up with pro dancer Michelle Tsiakkas. They were joined by Go Compare's operatic frontman Wynne Evans, 53, who caused quite a stir when he ran his hands over dancing ace Katya Jones.
Although he and Katya brushed off the act as banter, Wynne courted controversy again for remarks he made off camera during the BBC show and its subsequent live tour.
Jamie got caught in the crosshairs due to his matey relationship with Wynne - and an incident suggesting a grown-up moniker he had for the telly actor may have sparked confusion backstage at Strictly Live. With the latest debacle unfolding, it's come out that Wynne supposedly shouted "Oh my god" reacting to Jamie's disrespectful comment about disabled individuals while they were on set at the BBC programme.
The incident is thought to have occurred in November of the previous year while the BBC programme was filming at the Blackpool Tower Ballroom. Strictly has had a rocky few years, grappling with one crisis after another.
The 2023 series was shrouded in controversy as actress Amanda Abbington and Giovanni Pernice withdrew from the competition amidst whispers of a backstage row. The subsequent year, their spat attracted months of media attention when the Sherlock actress accused the professional dancer of abusive conduct.
Following an investigation by the BBC, Giovanni decided to leave the show. The 2025 series is expected to kick off in just a couple of months.
