Jamie Borthwick's EastEnders job 'at risk' after being 'suspended for using shocking disabled slur backstage at Strictly'
The actor, who has played Jay Brown for 19 years, has been suspended by the BBC after he used a slur aimed at disabled people on the set of Strictly.
He has since issued an apology, sharing that he did not fully understand the derogatory nature of the term he used but now that he is aware, he is 'deeply embarrassed'.
A source has now told The Sun his job is at risk, explaining: 'Jamie is well thought of but Jay hasn't played a central role in the show for a while.
'The character hasn't had a major storyline recently - he's been very much a supporting character of late.'
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The actor, who has played Jay Brown for 19 years, has been suspended by the BBC after he used a slur aimed at disabled people on the set of Strictly
Jamie has been kept busy with Strictly since appearing on the Christmas special in 2023, and then the full series in 2024, so hasn't taken on any major storylines on the BBC show for a while.
The insider added: 'With a new boss in Ben Wadey who only recently took the helm and with the scandal taking place so soon into his tenure feeling is that Jamie's place on the show could be at serious risk.'
MailOnline has contacted the BBC and Jamie's representatives for comment.
A video obtained by The Sun showed the EastEnders actor using the term 'm********s' to describe residents of Blackpool where the show was being filmed at the time.
He was reportedly backstage during rehearsals with Wynne Evans who could be heard saying 'Oh my God' when he made the remark.
In the video clip, Jamie and Wynne were reportedly sharing their excitement at being selected for a place on the Strictly tour.
Jamie has since issued an apology for using the slur, saying: '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.'
'The character hasn't had a major storyline recently - he's been very much a supporting character of late'
Jamie added he did not fully understand the derogatory nature of the term he used but now that he is aware, he is 'deeply embarrassed'.
The soap star said his actions were not a true reflection of his views and he reiterated how sorry he is.
The BBC told The Sun on Sunday: '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.'
Jamie, who has played Jay Brown on EastEnders since 2006, is now said to have been suspended from the show.
Jamie, laughing, is reported to have said: 'Blackpool by the way. 'Absolute m********s'.'
MailOnline has contacted the BBC for further comment.
It's the second Strictly-related controversy Jamie has found himself in after he and Wynne were reportedly blasted by BBC bosses over a shocking sex toy video.
In footage obtained by The Sun on Sunday in April, the two stars were filmed backstage after the opera singer sent a sex toy to the EastEnders star.
Filmed just two days after Wynne was recorded making a vile sexual comment to Jamie about pro dancer Janette Manrara , the video sees Jamie claiming the toy was sent to Birmingham 's Utilita Arena reception by Wynne.
The actor smiles as he holds up the rubber toy, then points the camera at Wynne who is seen shirtless as he practices with professional dancer Neil Jones .
Jamie says: 'Look at what he bought me. I opened it up and he surprised me with this, didn't he. It's so funny.'
Jamie reportedly shared the offensive clip on the Strictly contestant Whatsapp group.
A source told The Sun: 'As soon as BBC executives were made aware of this shocking and immature footage being shared they formally addressed the issue and reminded the pair they had to act professionally.
'The men were acting extremely immaturely and inappropriately, considering it was a family show, and many cast members didn't share their crass sense of humour.
'Bosses were horrified and shocked, hoping to nip the issue in the bud, unaware the video had been shared more widely.'
They added that the pair thought the video was funny, yet while they saw the hilarity, others didn't, especially as Strictly is a family show.
It came after Wynne was recorded crudely suggesting a three-way sex session with Janette, using the hugely demeaning term 'spit roast'.
Janette did not make a complaint against the singer, yet he apologised for the vile remark aimed at tour host Janette, when footage emerged of the comment at the tour's press launch. He was then axed from the tour.
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