Introduction to the Incident
Eastenders star Jamie Borthwick has been axed from the BBC soap after 19 years. The 31-year-old actor played the character of Jay Brown and was one of the longest-serving actors on the show, having arrived on Albert Square in 2006.
Background on the Actor
Borthwick rose to fame for his portrayal of Jay Brown (previously Mitchell) in Eastenders. He has won a British Soap Award for Best Dramatic Performance by a Young Actor and an Inside Soap Award for Best Actor. The actor participated in the latest series of Strictly Come Dancing, where he was paired with professional dancer Michelle Tsiakkas.
The Incident on Strictly Come Dancing
Early this year, Borthwick was suspended by the BBC after using a slur against people with disabilities on the set of Strictly Come Dancing. A BBC Studios spokesman stated, "We can confirm that Jamie Borthwick will not return to Eastenders. We do not comment on individual matters." The BBC said that the language used on the set of Strictly was "completely unacceptable and in no way reflects the values or standards that we hold and expect."
Aftermath and Apology
Following the incident, Borthwick apologized for "any offense and upset" caused. The disability charity organization Scope said that Borthwick should think about what he said and educate himself. The media manager of the organization, Warren Kirwan, added, "We hope that he will take the opportunity to learn about the reality of life as a disabled person."
Conclusion of His Time on Eastenders
Borthwick had restarted filming for Eastenders this month after his suspension but has now been dropped from the show altogether. His departure marks the end of an era for the character of Jay Brown, who has been a part of the soap for nearly two decades. The BBC has not commented further on the individual circumstances surrounding Borthwick’s departure.
