EastEnders star 'suspended' as he apologises for using 'unacceptable' slur

Irish Daily Mirror

4 hours ago

EastEnders star Jamie Borthwick has issued an apology for using an offensive term that mocks disabled people, which has reportedly lead to his suspension from the iconic soap.
The 30-year-old actor, who is known for his role as Jay Brown on the long-running programme, has been suspended by the BBC after allegedly using inappropriate language in a video believed to have been distributed among friends.
Reports suggest that during his time competing on the BBC's Strictly Come Dancing, Jamie used a slur against people with disabilities when referring to Blackpool residents.
The incident is said to have occurred while Strictly stars had travelled to the town to film a special episode from the Blackpool Tower Ballroom. The offensive remark is recognised as a derogatory and unacceptable slur targeted at disabled people.
Both the disability charity Scope and a Blackpool local official have voiced disapproval following the incident. There is allegedly video evidence capturing Jamie using the slur, which was then sent to one of his friends, reports the Mirror.
The actor made a heartfelt apology, published by The Sun on Sunday, 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. 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."
Jamie also apologised to the Blackpool community and expressed remorse for his remarks. The Mirror has reached out to the star's rep for a statement.
Reports from The Sun suggest Jamie's been suspended from EastEnders in the wake of the incident.
In a statement to the Mirror, 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."
Last year saw Jamie compete on Strictly, teaming up with pro dancer Michelle Tsiakkas. He shared the spotlight with Go Compare's opera sensation Wynne Evans, 53, who caused a stir by running his hands over dance partner Katya Jones.
Despite Wynne and Katya writing it off as banter, the opera singer courted more controversy with offhand remarks made backstage during the BBC series and the live tour that followed.
Jamie's association with Wynne dragged him into the controversy, with suggestions that a risqué pet name he had for Wynne caused confusion backstages at Strictly Live.
Wynne has found himself mixed up in the latest drama too; he's said to have blurted out an astonished "Oh my god" as he witnessed Jamie using offensive language towards someone with a disability while on set at the Beeb.
The incident reportedly took place last November during the BBC show's recording at the Blackpool Tower Ballroom. Strictly has faced a turbulent few years, dealing with one crisis after another.
The 2023 season was overshadowed by drama as actress Amanda Abbington and Giovanni Pernice withdrew from the competition amidst whispers of a backstage row. The subsequent year, their dispute dominated the headlines for months, with the Sherlock star accusing the dancer of abusive behaviour.
Following an investigation by the BBC, Giovanni decided to leave the show. The 2025 season is expected to kick off in just two months' time.