Latest news with #JamieBorthwick
Daily Mirror
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
BBC 'scrutinised over differing treatment of stars accused of offensive language'
BBC bosses have been called out after MasterChef presenter John Torode appeared to receive harsher punishment than EastEnders star Jamie Borthwick over use of offensive language Bosses at the BBC face a grilling over why John Torode and Jamie Borthwick were treated 'differently' after both stars used 'offensive language'. MasterChef star Torode, 59, was sacked by the broadcasting giant after a complaint John used " highly offensive racist language" was upheld. John denies the incident, which he says he has no recollection of. EastEnders star Jamie Borthwick, 31, was suspended in June after 19 years playing fan favourite character Jay Brown when he was accused of using a slur targeted at disabled people while on the set of Strictly Come Dancing. However, now executives at the BBC are facing questions over why the pair have differences in their treatment with Torode losing his job entirely, while Borthwick faced a suspension. A source has said:"The difference in treatment between John and Jamie - for very similar incidents - has left questions to be answered. The BBC have tied themselves into knots with this - for them both stars appear to have used unacceptable and offensive language but only one has been sacked while another has kept his lucrative salary and got away with just a suspension." They continued to The Sun: "Disabled colleagues have been left wondering why incidents of ableist slurs seemingly aren't being taken as seriously as racist language and there are no clear answers coming from bosses." Meanwhile, a spokesperson for the BBC told MailOnline: "Whilst we do not comment on any individual matter, each case is always considered on its own facts. We are very clear on our expectations that inappropriate behaviour and language will not be tolerated." A video obtained by The Sun last month 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. The Mirror has contacted a representative of the star for comment at the time. Meanwhile, MasterChef star John Torode was sacked earlier this week after he came forward as the unnamed person in the firm Lewis Silkin's report, commissioned by Banjiay, into the conduct of John's co-host Gregg Wallace, following allegations of misconduct. The upheld complaint about John was "an accusation of highly offensive racist language against", which John has vehemently denied. Torode has insisted "he had absolutely no recollection" of using the racist term. John denied the allegation in a statement which read: "Following publication of the Executive Summary of the investigation into Gregg Wallace while working on MasterChef, I am aware of speculation that I am one of the two other individuals against whom an allegation has been upheld. "For the sake of transparency, I confirm that I am the individual who is alleged to have used racial language on one occasion. The allegation is that I did so sometime in 2018 or 2019, in a social situation, and that the person I was speaking with did not believe that it was intended in a malicious way and that I apologised immediately afterwards. "I have absolutely no recollection of any of this, and I do not believe that it happened. However, I want to be clear that I've always had the view that any racial language is wholly unacceptable in any environment. I'm shocked and saddened by the allegation as I would never wish to cause anyone any offence." The BBC announced on Tuesday (July 15) that Torode's contract was not going to be renewed and he was later sacked from MasterChef.
The Irish Sun
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
BBC facing questions about Jamie Borthwick's EastEnders future in aftermath of John Torode's sacking from MasterChef
BBC bosses are facing questions about EastEnders star Jamie Borthwick's future on the soap in the aftermath of John Torode's MasterChef sacking. The actor - who plays Jay Brown in the BBC soap - was Advertisement 2 Jamie was suspended by EastEnders bosses after his use of the sickening slur emerged Credit: Getty 2 John Torode was sacked from his role on MasterChef after an investigation Credit: BBC But now with MasterChef host John being sacked after an investigation found he had used future on the BBC soap and the difference in treatment. A source said: "The difference in treatment between John and Jamie - for very similar incidents - has left questions to be answered. 'The BBC have tied themselves into knots with this - for them both stars appear to have used unacceptable and offensive language but only one has been sacked while another has kept his lucrative salary and got away with just a suspension. 'There doesn't appear to be any rhyme nor reason with how the BBC chooses to implement its own rules and people are questioning why. Advertisement Read more on MasterChef 'Disabled colleagues have been left wondering why incidents of ableist slurs seemingly aren't being taken as seriously as racist language and there are no clear answers coming from bosses.' Last night a spokeswoman for the BBC said: 'Whilst we do not comment on any individual matter, each case is always considered on its own facts. 'We are very clear on our expectations that inappropriate behaviour and language will not be tolerated.' Last month Advertisement Most read in News TV The EastEnders star, who joined the soap in 2006, said in a public apology: '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. EastEnders star Jamie Borthwick sensationally SUSPENDED by BBC for using sick disabled slur on Strictly set '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. 'When I made the video, I was excited and caught up in the moment. Again, that is no excuse. But my regrettable actions are not a true reflection of my views, or who I am. Advertisement 'I enjoyed every minute of my time in the Blackpool Tower Ballroom and the town itself. "The people of Blackpool have always been amazing with the Strictly crew, dancers and cast members. I know they will be again for this year's show and those in years to come. I am truly sorry.' MasterChef facts MASTERCHEF has been a staple BBC series for years - but what are the key details? MasterChef launched on BBC One back in 1990 It ran until 2001, then was revived in 2005 as MasterChef Goes Large John Torode joined the revamped series in 2005, where he teamed up with Gregg Wallace as hosts Controversial moments? In March 2018, Gregg refused to judge Zaleha Kadir Olpin's stewed chicken rendang dish as he claimed it was 'not crispy enough and could not be eaten.' Disability charity Scope told The Sun Borthwick should reflect on what he said and educate himself. Advertisement "We hope he takes the opportunity to get to know the reality of disabled people's lives,' said the organisation's media manager Warren Kirwan.
Scottish Sun
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
BBC facing questions about Jamie Borthwick's EastEnders future in aftermath of John Torode's sacking from MasterChef
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) BBC bosses are facing questions about EastEnders star Jamie Borthwick's future on the soap in the aftermath of John Torode's MasterChef sacking. The actor - who plays Jay Brown in the BBC soap - was suspended by bosses after The Sun revealed he had used a derogatory slur about disabled people while on Strictly Come Dancing last year. 2 Jamie was suspended by EastEnders bosses after his use of the sickening slur emerged Credit: Getty 2 John Torode was sacked from his role on MasterChef after an investigation Credit: BBC But now with MasterChef host John being sacked after an investigation found he had used racist language while repeating lines from Kanye West's Golddigger - something he denies - questions are being raised about Jamie's future on the BBC soap and the difference in treatment. A source said: "The difference in treatment between John and Jamie - for very similar incidents - has left questions to be answered. 'The BBC have tied themselves into knots with this - for them both stars appear to have used unacceptable and offensive language but only one has been sacked while another has kept his lucrative salary and got away with just a suspension. 'There doesn't appear to be any rhyme nor reason with how the BBC chooses to implement its own rules and people are questioning why. 'Disabled colleagues have been left wondering why incidents of ableist slurs seemingly aren't being taken as seriously as racist language and there are no clear answers coming from bosses.' Last night a spokeswoman for the BBC said: 'Whilst we do not comment on any individual matter, each case is always considered on its own facts. 'We are very clear on our expectations that inappropriate behaviour and language will not be tolerated.' Last month Jamie launched a last ditch bid to save his job. The EastEnders star, who joined the soap in 2006, said in a public apology: '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. EastEnders star Jamie Borthwick sensationally SUSPENDED by BBC for using sick disabled slur on Strictly set '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. 'When I made the video, I was excited and caught up in the moment. Again, that is no excuse. But my regrettable actions are not a true reflection of my views, or who I am. 'I enjoyed every minute of my time in the Blackpool Tower Ballroom and the town itself. "The people of Blackpool have always been amazing with the Strictly crew, dancers and cast members. I know they will be again for this year's show and those in years to come. I am truly sorry.' MasterChef facts MASTERCHEF has been a staple BBC series for years - but what are the key details? MasterChef launched on BBC One back in 1990 It ran until 2001, then was revived in 2005 as MasterChef Goes Large John Torode joined the revamped series in 2005, where he teamed up with Gregg Wallace as hosts Controversial moments? In March 2018, Gregg refused to judge Zaleha Kadir Olpin's stewed chicken rendang dish as he claimed it was 'not crispy enough and could not be eaten.' The BBC said his language was 'entirely unacceptable and in no way reflects the values or standards we hold and expect'. Disability charity Scope told The Sun Borthwick should reflect on what he said and educate himself. "We hope he takes the opportunity to get to know the reality of disabled people's lives,' said the organisation's media manager Warren Kirwan.
The Sun
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Sun
BBC facing questions about Jamie Borthwick's EastEnders future in aftermath of John Torode's sacking from MasterChef
BBC bosses are facing questions about EastEnders star Jamie Borthwick's future on the soap in the aftermath of John Torode's MasterChef sacking. The actor - who plays Jay Brown in the BBC soap - was suspended by bosses after The Sun revealed he had used a derogatory slur about disabled people while on Strictly Come Dancing last year. 2 But now with MasterChef host John being sacked after an investigation found he had used racist language while repeating lines from Kanye West's Golddigger - something he denies - questions are being raised about Jamie's future on the BBC soap and the difference in treatment. A source said: "The difference in treatment between John and Jamie - for very similar incidents - has left questions to be answered. 'The BBC have tied themselves into knots with this - for them both stars appear to have used unacceptable and offensive language but only one has been sacked while another has kept his lucrative salary and got away with just a suspension. 'There doesn't appear to be any rhyme nor reason with how the BBC chooses to implement its own rules and people are questioning why. 'Disabled colleagues have been left wondering why incidents of ableist slurs seemingly aren't being taken as seriously as racist language and there are no clear answers coming from bosses.' Last night a spokeswoman for the BBC said: 'Whilst we do not comment on any individual matter, each case is always considered on its own facts. 'We are very clear on our expectations that inappropriate behaviour and language will not be tolerated.' Last month Jamie launched a last ditch bid to save his job. The EastEnders star, who joined the soap in 2006, said in a public apology: '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. EastEnders star Jamie Borthwick sensationally SUSPENDED by BBC for using sick disabled slur on Strictly set '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. 'When I made the video, I was excited and caught up in the moment. Again, that is no excuse. But my regrettable actions are not a true reflection of my views, or who I am. 'I enjoyed every minute of my time in the Blackpool Tower Ballroom and the town itself. "The people of Blackpool have always been amazing with the Strictly crew, dancers and cast members. I know they will be again for this year's show and those in years to come. I am truly sorry.' The BBC said his language was 'entirely unacceptable and in no way reflects the values or standards we hold and expect'. Disability charity Scope told The Sun Borthwick should reflect on what he said and educate himself. "We hope he takes the opportunity to get to know the reality of disabled people's lives,' said the organisation's media manager Warren Kirwan.
Daily Mirror
28-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Strictly star injured in horror London street phone robbery
Strictly Come Dancing star Michelle Tsiakkas has taken to social media to reveal she was the victim of a startling mobile phone robbery while out in London in broad daylight Strictly Come Dancing professional Michelle Tsiakkas has recounted being mugged for her phone in the streets of London. The 29-year-old dance expert has appeared on the hit BBC show since 2022. She was paired with EastEnders star Jamie Borthwick in the 2024 contest where they landed in seventh place. Taking to social media at the end of the week, the TV star shared a haunting account of being mugged in broad daylight. She told fans in a video message shared on her main grid: "This was a couple of days ago and I've just about mentally recovered from that. It was quite traumatising on the day. "It wasted my whole day and made me feel awful, scared, helpless and I don't want the same to happen to you. My phone got stolen. My phone got stolen. "I mean I see it happening all the time but it's just one of those things that you just never think it's gonna happen to you. And then it does." She went on to explain that she was simply going about her day when a criminal whizzed past her on an electric bike and snatched her phone from her hand. She recalled: "So it was early morning. I was on my way to the dentist in London. "It was around Covent Garden so the streets were really quiet. I think I was just the only person around so maybe I was an easy target and I whipped out my phone to have a look at the directions to see where my dentist was. "I was on the actual street of the dentist and what happens? A man comes on a bike behind me, sweeps past me and grabs my phone." Revealing she was injured in the incident, Michelle continued: "So he's grabbed my phone. He's on an electric bike and my heart just sank. I tried to I think like reach for it and that made me fall on my knees on the floor and graze my knee. "I think my reflex was just to swear and then scream give me back my phone and clearly you know that didn't work. He just left. He was wearing a mask so there was no way that I could have seen what he looked like and he was going really fast on that electric bike so there was no way on earth I could have caught up with him." She added: "Thankfully there were two really lovely and helpful women there and they'd seen that I was a bit distressed." Unsettled Londoners have been left in disbelief as mobile phone theft has increased at a horrifying rate. New statistics release this weekend have revealed that 231,000 phone thefts and robberies were recorded over the past four years in the city. Analysis by The Times revealed hotspots in London include St James's Park, where Piccadilly and Haymarket meet Pall Mall and Clarence House as well as parts of the West End. Figures released by Scotland Yard figures show a 20 per cent year-on-year increase in robberies - with 81,256 mobile phone crimes were recorded in 2023. The stats also showed that roughly 37 people have their phone snatched on the streets of the capital every day.
