Strictly pro defends shamed former star and insists they're still 'really close'
Strictly Come Dancing pro Michelle Tsiakkas has spoken out in defence of shamed former dance partner Jamie Borthwick.
EastEnders star Jamie faced controversy following his stint on the hit dance competition as he was suspended by the BBC after making an ableist slur. Michelle, 29, finished seventh on Strictly with Jamie last year, and has now confirmed that they have remained 'really close' after working together on the show.
Michelle has confirmed that the pair are still in regular contact - and even went as far as to refer to Jamie, 31, as being like a "brother" to her. She said, 'Whatever you saw on screen of our relationships together is what our relationship is like. We're like brother and sister, we're really close. He still actually messages me saying that he misses it."
Speaking to The Sun on Sunday she appeared to confirm the pair have even met up as she continued, 'I saw him the other day, he remembered all of his routines, he was doing them again. I was actually so surprised.'
Speaking at the National Reality TV Awards, Michelle added, 'For me, that counts more than any trophy because I feel like I had a positive impact on your life and changed it for the better - in terms of him finding this new found love for dancing. He's honestly so passionate about dancing. I can't believe it. He is trying to dance with everybody and do his routines with everyone.'
When quizzed about whether she and Jamie speak via a Strictly WhatsApp group, she confirmed that most of their chats are private saying, 'We mostly talk just me and him so that is really nice that we still have a good relationship.'
Michelle then opened up about the pressure of starring on the high-profile BBC series and how "special" it is to be involved. She said, 'The show is about joy and dancing. It always needs to come back to that because it is such a special show.
'It's about having fun and not taking anything too personal and creating memories that last a lifetime, which they truly do.' Jamie famously faced a backlash and was suspended by the BBC in June after 19 years playing Albert Square fan favourite character Jay Brown on EastEnders when he was accused of using a slur targeted at disabled people while on the set of Strictly Come Dancing.
A video obtained by The Sun saw Jamie captured describing the residents of Blackpool, where the show was filming at the time, as "m********s." Co-star Wynne Evans was reportedly backstage with Borthwick at rehearsals and heard saying "Oh my God" when he made the comment.
Borthwick has since apologised for using the term and admitted that he had not fully understood the derogatory nature of what he said and is now "deeply embarrassed." The soap actor said in a statement, which read: '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." He went on to issue an apology to the people of Blackpool and reiterate his regret over his words. He has since reportedly been reinstated by BBC bosses after three months away from the iconic soap.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Mirror
a few seconds ago
- Daily Mirror
Strictly Come Dancing 'cocaine scandal' being investigated by police in new update
The Metropolitan Police has confirmed they are investigating drug related offences following an inquiry into hit BBC show Strictly Come Dancing before the series launch Police have said they are investigating drug allegations on Strictly Come Dancing. This weekend, it was reported that the BBC called in the cops after lawyers began an inquiry into the hit dance competition. It followed an inquiry into the show amid claims two of its stars had used cocaine. Strictly has been marred by controversies over the past few years, with the latest coming just weeks before its return to screens. Earlier this month, the BBC enlisted the services of top legal firm Pinsent Masons to investigate recent drug accusations. Former participants, professional dancers and crew members have been invited to speak with solicitors to voice any issues they might have had. Now, the Metropolitan Police have issued a statement to the Mirror as they said: "On Tuesday 12 August, the Metropolitan Police received an allegation about drug-related offences. "Police are assessing the information, and further enquiries are taking place to establish whether there is evidence of a criminal offence being committed. We won't be commenting further at this time.' A source said: 'It's a significant new development in the BBC's recent string of crises that they have now got the police involved in investigating allegations surrounding Strictly. "This is a very dramatic turn of events. Despite all the show and its team have been through over recent months, it's hugely controversial that you've now got Scotland Yard detectives probing Strictly. They added to The Sun: 'This is their biggest prime-time family entertainment show, so it's not a good look for the BBC.' It is believed this is the first time the BBC has been in contact with the police over allegations linked to the show. When approached by the Mirror yesterday, the BBC said they wouldn't comment on any police investigation. A BBC spokesperson said earlier this month: 'We have clear protocols and policies in place for dealing with any serious complaint raised with us. We would always encourage people to speak to us if they have concerns. It would not be appropriate for us to comment further.' Earlier this month, the BBC reportedly enlisted the services of a top legal firm to investigate accusations of cocaine use by two stars, with reports suggesting their substance abuse was an open secret on the show. According to The Sun, one of the allegations involves a Strictly star who allegedly commented on another individual's dilated pupils, hinting at drug intoxication. They said: "Have you seen their pupils... they're off their face". Since then, it was reported that bosses have offered those stars the chance of rehab. It was also claimed there could be random drug tests added to the upcoming tours, which are known to include after-parties. The Mirror has contacted the BBC for comment.
Scottish Sun
an hour ago
- Scottish Sun
Cops probing Strictly drug scandal weeks before new series after ‘two stars took cocaine'
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) POLICE tonight confirmed they are investigating drug allegations relating to Strictly. It comes after The Sun on Sunday revealed on Sunday the BBC-led inquiry had contacted cops. Sign up for the Entertainment newsletter Sign up 4 Strictly Come Dancing has been engulfed in its biggest crisis after police were brought in Credit: PA 4 The Met Police tonight confirmed they are investigating drug allegations relating to Strictly Credit: PA We told two weeks ago how the BBC, with the help of external lawyers Pinsent Masons, were probing claims that two Strictly stars had abused cocaine. Today, in a new statement, a Met spokesperson said: 'On Tuesday 12 August, the Metropolitan Police received an allegation about drug related offences. "Police are assessing the information and further enquiries are taking place to establish whether there is evidence of a criminal offence being committed. 'We won't be commenting further at this time.' In The Sun's story two weeks ago we told how it was claimed it was 'well known' that two Strictly stars took drugs including cocaine. And it was alleged one Strictly personality had said about one of the stars they were 'off their face … have you seen the pupils in their eyes'. This morning we revealed cops were now involved but did not state the nature and detail of the allegations they were investigating. The corporation had already launched an inquiry into its flagship Saturday night family show amid claims two of its stars had used cocaine. It is understood that detectives from the Met Police are examining other allegations relating to the telly ballroom hit, which has been rocked by a string of controversies. Our latest shock revelation comes as the BBC prepares to launch Strictly's 23rd series next month - after officially announcing the line-up of celebrities including reality TV star Dani Dyer. A source told The Sun on Sunday: 'It's a significant new development in the BBC's recent string of crises that they have now got the police involved in investigating allegations surrounding Strictly. "This is a very dramatic turn of events. 'Despite all the show and its team have been through over recent months, it's hugely controversial that you've now got Scotland Yard detectives probing Strictly. 'This is their biggest prime-time family entertainment show, so it's not a good look for the BBC.' Strictly has been the subject of inquiries into bullying and inappropriate behaviour over the past 14 months. But this is believed to be the first time the BBC has been in contact with the police over allegations linked to the show. It is understood the matter was referred by the BBC after it launched an inquiry, conducted by external lawyers Pinsent Masons, into alleged drug use on the show. The Sun on Sunday reported two weeks ago how it was 'well known' that two Strictly stars took cocaine. It was claimed one accused another of being 'off their face' - saying: 'Have you seen their pupils?' Lawyers were brought in after ex-Strictly star and opera singer Wynne Evans made allegations in a legal submission to the BBC in March. In relation to the drugs allegations, the BBC said a fortnight ago: 'We have clear protocols and policies in place for dealing with any serious complaint raised with us. 'We would always encourage people to speak to us if they have concerns. 'It would not be appropriate for us to comment further.' 4 BBC bosses alerted police after lawyers began an inquiry into the scandal-hit series Credit: Getty
Daily Mail
an hour ago
- Daily Mail
Fake Or Fortune drama as art collector takes a gamble and turns down HUGE sum for his 'lost masterpiece' painting
An art collector is set to cause some 'high drama' on BBC show Fake Or Fortune? as he turns down a huge sum of money for his 'lost masterpiece painting'. Artist David Taylor originally purchased the oil canvas for £2000 for its appearance alone before experts later identified it as the missing artwork by 20th century Canadian impressionist Helen McNicoll. However, David raises plenty of eyebrows when he rejects the whopping offer of £300,000 from a private collector and instead decides to take a gamble at auction, reports The Mirror. The painting in question, called The Bean Harvest, had been 'missing' for 110 years, having last been spotted at an exhibition at London 's Royal Academy in 1915. David appeared on the BBC programme last year, where presenters Fiona Bruce and Philip Mould helped him prove the painting's authenticity. Helen McNicoll's signature was only discovered when David removed the artwork - which depicts a woman picking beans in a field - from the frame, with art dealer Phillip then estimating it to be worth between £150,000-£200,000. Helen McNicoll, who went deaf from the age of two, is one of Canada's most celebrated artists and known for her impressionist representations of rural landscapes. Her flourishing career was cut short in 1915 when she died aged 35 following complications from diabetes. When the hosts later revisited David, he was keen to sell, with billionaire philanthropist and private collector Pierre Lassonde - who is a major collector of McNicoll's work - showing a keen interest in the art. Canadian Pierre flew to London to see the painting in person before going on to offer David £300k for the masterpiece. He said of the work: 'For a painting that has been missing for 110 years, I think it's fantastic... I wouldn't mind adding one more piece to my collection.' However, David went on to reject the offer and decided to try his luck at Sotheby's auction house in London, with the hopes that the cash from the sale would help fund the purchase of a bungalow which he needed for health reasons. The results of this auction is set to be seen in an upcoming episode of Fake Or Fortune. Commenting on David's actions, host Fiona remarked: 'There's some high drama with this picture', states the publication. The Bean Harvest artwork went on view at London's Sotheby's in November 2024, with viewers set to see in an upcoming episode whether David's gamble has paid off While Lincoln-based artist David noted: 'I needed to sell it. I couldn't insure a £300,000 painting so I had to do something with it. 'Sotheby's were there and they said: "we have got a sale coming up", so I thought that tis was perfect. I am hoping for a record price.' A source told The Mirror: 'Who'd guessed that Fake Or Fortune? would end up like David Dickenson's Real Deal? Owner rejects a huge offer and tries his luck at auction, it's gripping stuff.' An insider added: 'Viewers are left waiting until the very last minutes of the show to find out whether he is a big winner - or a big loser.' The results of the auction will be aired on Fake Or Fortune: What Happened Next on Monday 25 August at 6.30pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
