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Metro
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Metro
Jamie Borthwick suspended from EastEnders after using disabled slur
EastEnders actor Jamie Borthwick has been suspended from the BBC soap, on which he plays Jay Brown, after being captured using a disabled slur. The 2024 Strictly Come Dancing star is believed to have made the offensive remark while in Blackpool last November. Jamie was recorded on a mobile phone on the set of Strictly as they filmed in the iconic Tower Ballroom. Describing the people of seaside town Blackpool, he used the term 'm********s', which was condemned by Blackpool Council's Tory group leader Paul Galley, who called it a 'shocking' and 'horrible' comment. Consequently, the BBC issued a statement to 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. Wake up to find news on your TV shows in your inbox every morning with Metro's TV Newsletter. Sign up to our newsletter and then select your show in the link we'll send you so we can get TV news tailored to you. 'We have robust processes in place for this.' As per the publication, Jamie, who joined EastEnders in 2006, has now been suspended from the BBC. Jamie also issued an apology, 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.' He continued: '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.' He concluded with: 'I am truly sorry.' The footage he refers to also featured Wynne Evans, with the pair having been informed they had been selected for the nationwide Strictly Live Tour. 'Blackpool, by the way. Absolute m********s,' Jamie is thought to have said at the time. After Jamie used the slur, The Sun's video has Wynne saying, 'Oh my God.' It also attracted backlash from disability campaigners and residents of Blackpool. Warren Kirwan, Media Manager at disability equality charity Scope, said: 'Attitudes and language like this are never acceptable. 'It's not just ignorant and hurtful to disabled people; it has wider consequences. 'Negative attitudes hold disabled people back in all areas of life, from getting a job to shopping on the high street. 'Mr Borthwick needs to reflect on what he said, educate himself, and do better. 'We hope he takes the opportunity to get to know the reality of disabled people's lives.' This is not the first time Jamie has been caught up in a Strictly-related controversy. In April, he and Wynne made headlines after a video emerged of them larking around with a sex toy backstage at the tour in Birmingham, which saw them chastised by bosses. This happened prior to opera singer Wynne being removed from the tour in January due to inappropriate behaviour. He was accused of making sexual comments around colleagues, for which he apologised. The GoCompare frontman was also filmed making a 'spit-roast' jibe during a photo session, which was believed to have referred to host Janette Manrara. More Trending Defending himself last month in his first interview since the drama began, Wynne insisted that he was actually addressing Jamie, whom they called 'spit-roast boy' among the cast, 'because he could contort his legs over his head like a spit-roast chicken.' 'I would be the first to apologise if I had used it in the double meaning of that word,' he told The Sun. However, in the latest development, Wynne was informed that his BBC Radio Wales contract would not be renewed after an investigation, which he said 'breaks [his] heart'. EastEnders has been contacted for comment. If you've got a soap or TV story, video or pictures get in touch by emailing us soaps@ – we'd love to hear from you. Join the community by leaving a comment below and stay updated on all things soaps on our homepage. View More » MORE: Strictly star Nick Knowles, 62, marries Katie Dadzie, 34, in lavish six-figure ceremony MORE: Celebrity Race Across the World 'signs up' beloved Strictly duo MORE: Strictly star says show left her in more pain than childbirth
Metro
30-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Metro
Wynne Evans 'gutted' as he confirms BBC axe: 'It breaks my heart'
Wynne Evans has confirmed he has been axed by the BBC. The former GoCompare opera singer and Strictly Come Dancing star has been dropped from his one-year rolling BBC Radio contract following a four-month investigation. He confirmed in an Instagram statement: 'It breaks my heart to say the BBC has decided not to renew my contract so I won't be returning to my radio show. 'I'm gutted. That show wasn't just work — it was home. It was us. 'We laughed, we cried, we sang like nobody was listening. And somehow, through the airwaves, we became a family.' Wake up to find news on your TV shows in your inbox every morning with Metro's TV Newsletter. Sign up to our newsletter and then select your show in the link we'll send you so we can get TV news tailored to you. He was axed from the Strictly Live Tour earlier this year due to comments made involving Janette Manrara. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video Wynne, 53, whose professional partner was Katya Jones, later retreated from the spotlight, having apologised for his 'unacceptable' quip that insinuated a 'spit roast' with married tour host Janette. He has also faced several other reports of inappropriate comments made off-camera in recent months. More Trending Now, he has confirmed he won't be returning to his radio show on BBC Wales, while the singer also thanked his 'beloved Wynners' for their support. He said: 'From the very depths of my heart — thank you. These past few months, your love has been the light in my darkest days. 'Every message, every word of encouragement, every moment you stood by me has carried me through more than you could ever know.' Wynne also announced plans for The Wynne Evans Show to return independently online. This is a breaking news story, more to follow soon… Check back shortly for further updates. If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@ calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you. For more stories like this, check our entertainment page. Follow Entertainment on Twitter and Facebook for the latest celeb and entertainment updates. You can now also get articles sent straight to your device. Sign up for our daily push alerts here. MORE: 11 years on, I'm still mourning comedy legend Rik Mayall MORE: BBC confirms huge Casualty news and it's the end of an era MORE: Interior Design Masters fans fume after favourite loses to 'ugly' design in shock finale
Metro
24-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Metro
Wynne Evans insists he's 'not a bad guy' in interview after Strictly sex scandal
Wynne Evans has spoken out in his first interview after becoming embroiled in a Strictly Come Dancing scandal. The opera singer's reputation took a beating earlier this year when he was axed from the Strictly Live Tour due to comments made involving Janette Manrara. Wynne, whose professional partner was Katya Jones, later retreated from the spotlight, having apologised for his 'unacceptable' quip that insinuated a 'spit roast' with married tour host Janette. When he was removed from the bill, having already done several performances, a spokesperson from the BBC said: 'We have made it very clear to Wynne that we do not tolerate such behaviour on the tour. 'We were not previously aware of the remark and did not receive any complaints.' Wake up to find news on your TV shows in your inbox every morning with Metro's TV Newsletter. Sign up to our newsletter and then select your show in the link we'll send you so we can get TV news tailored to you. Wynne, who has faced several other reports of inappropriate comments made off-camera in recent months, has now spoken to The Sun about the fallout. The Go Compare frontman – who was also caught on camera laughing after gifting Strictly co-star Jamie Borthwick a sex toy – told the publication that he is 'not a bad guy'. He also states that he is 'not a misogynist', explaining that 'spit-roast boy' was a nickname given to EastEnders actor Jamie, insisting that the quip was a prank that 'backfired'. 'It's been heartbreaking,' he said of the aftermath. ''Spit-roast boy' was a nickname we all gave Jamie Borthwick because he could contort his legs over his head like a spit-roast chicken. 'I would be the first to apologise if I had used it in the double meaning of that word. 'But it absolutely wasn't meant sexually – and the fact I used 'boy,' alright, it's nuanced, but it shows I was talking to Jamie, NOT Janette.' Wynne was informed of the 'offensive' language he used when footage came to light two weeks later. He said his natural reaction was to declare he was 'so sorry', which he alleges was interpreted as a 'formal apology'. 'When I read the apology within the context of the story as it had been written, I was absolutely horrified,' he added. 'And I was embarrassed, and I was ashamed of myself. Because the apology always makes it look worse. It validates the story.' The incident, which occurred during a photo session at Birmingham Arena, was not the first time Wynne raised eyebrows with his comments, as, while he was on Strictly in late 2024, fans noticed an uncomfortable moment in which Katya removed his hand from her waist before refusing to high-five him. He now claims this was a 'body language experiment' proposed by Russian pro Katya, to which he 'naively agreed'. The TV personality says Katya told him: 'Why don't we create our own body language experiment? Put your hand on my waist; I'll move it back, and let's see if people notice. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video 'So we did it, we laughed, we went downstairs to make-up, and my phone explodes, and I look at it… and let me tell you, the body language experiment worked.' The pair later posted a video on Instagram apologising, which Wynne believes only amplified the situation and was the 'catalyst that started everything'. Also in the interview, Wynne acknowledges that the sex toy gift was 'unprofessional', saying he'd be happy to attend 'any language and behavioural course that the BBC want to send [him] on.' Wynne has received supportive messages from several members of the Strictly 2024 cast and the pro dancers, with Janette herself texting him to say: 'Look after yourself and be strong.' But while he 'understands' matters must be investigated by the BBC, especially given the recent bullying rows engulfing Strictly and the sacking of Giovanni Pernice and Graziano Di Prima, he admits he was transported back to a place of 'not wanting to be alive' in the wake of his axing. Wynne, who previously suffered from depression, says he is 'disappointed' in the BBC's attitude towards him, given that he has spoken openly about his mental health struggles. 'But I am feeling a lot stronger now. I'm so grateful for all the support I've had, and I am just desperate to get back to doing the thing I love – my BBC Radio Wales show.' View More » The BBC has been contacted for comment. Got a story? If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@ calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you. MORE: Strictly star shares wholesome update after being targeted by armed robbers MORE: Strictly star 'suing producers over alleged medical negligence after agonising injury' MORE: Chris McCausland says Scope Awards show how disabled community 'really are capable of so much more than others might think'
Daily Mail
30-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
EDEN CONFIDENTIAL: 30 years on, 90s icons Patsy Kensit and Kate Moss keep their cool
With their rock-star husbands and love of partying, they have lived parallel lives since the 'Cool Britannia' years. And Kate Moss, 51, and Patsy Kensit, 57, enjoyed a reunion at the launch of Perfect magazine's Issue 8.5, entitled the 'KateZine', at The Lavery restaurant in London's South Kensington. While Patsy was married to Oasis singer Liam Gallagher for three tumultuous years until 2000, Kate was once the wife of Jamie Hince, of rock band The Kills. The pair like to emphasise they have abandoned their hedonistic pasts. 'I have to reprogramme myself,' Patsy explained. 'I am not drinking, I don't want to stay out and go wild, but I need to find something to fulfil me.' While Patsy was married to Oasis singer Liam Gallagher for three tumultuous years until 2000, Kate was once the wife of Jamie Hince, of rock band The Kills. Pictured: Patsy, left in 1996, and Kate, right in 1995 Katya sticks by disgraced star Opera singer Wynne Evans was ditched from the Strictly Live Tour after he was exposed for using a crude sexual term in rehearsals earlier this year. But he still has the support of his Strictly partner Katya Jones. 'During this Strictly experience we got on like a house fire, so of course I check on him, because that's what friends should do,' Katya tells me. On Strictly, Evans, 53, was seen putting his hands around Jones's waist before she batted them away. 'We are all aware he's going through challenging times and I hope he gets what he deserves,' she adds. A Place In The Sun presenter Laura Hamilton, who recently bought her own holiday home in Majorca, appears to have little sympathy with Spaniards protesting against visitors. 'Spain heavily relies on tourism, and they want us, and need British people to come over and spend money,' she declares. The Kent-born television star, 43, adds that Britons should not be deterred from holidaying there. 'There are towns where there have been protests going on, but don't let that stop you coming on holiday to Spain,' she tells me. 'You can come to London and there are [also] protests.' Sophie makes it a full house at bingo She could never be accused of being one half of 'two fat ladies' but the Duchess of Edinburgh was certainly going click, click, click at the Royal Hospital Chelsea in west London, home of the Chelsea Pensioners. Sophie, who's still not yet 'baker's bun' (61, that is), knuckled down to three rounds of bingo with 80 pensioners. Guiding her was Ted Fell, 86, who dropped supplies into the jungle during the Malayan Emergency. These days Fell keeps himself up to the mark by organising the Royal Hospital's weekly bingo night. Judging by the sparkle in Sophie's eyes, he may have made a convert. It's the historic university debating society which has been addressed by US presidents Theodore Roosevelt and Ronald Reagan, and British prime ministers Winston Churchill and Margaret Thatcher. Next month, the Cambridge Union is to host glamour model Katie Price for the third time. 'Whatever you think about the way she has made her money, you can't fault the fact she has succeeded in what is still a very masculine world,' explains one student. In 2012, she trounced journalist Rachel Johnson, sister of Boris, in a debate there.
Yahoo
06-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Strictly Come Dancing's Janette Manrara in tears over career change this year
Strictly Come Dancing star and It Takes Two host Janette Manrara said she was in tears when she found out about her new career change. This year, the 41-year-old who is married to fellow Strictly professional Aljaž Škorjanec, is appearing in Chicago as she 'dips her toes into musical theatre'. Janette, who shares daughter Lyra with Aljaž, has opened up on the 'added curve ball' of starring in the musical, along with her other TV jobs, as she's set for a busy year. It comes as she recently completed another Strictly Live tour and prepares for 'A Night to Remember' 19-date UK tour with her husband from next month. Speaking to The Mirror, the presenter revealed: 'I'm used to doing It Takes Two and the Strictly Live Tour and then, you know, a tour with Aljaž. 'The only added curve ball in there is that I'm doing Chicago and dipping my toes into musical theatre.' She added: "So when the opportunity in the contract came through, it was too good to say no to because it was one of my favourite musicals ever, and I've been wanting to do it for such a long time. 'I cried the day that I got the job! So I couldn't turn it down, I couldn't say no to it." Commenting on her childcare worries ahead of taking on a hectic schedule, Janette continued: 'So it was more about Lyra. Is she going to be okay? Is she going to be at home? Is she going to be with Aljaž? What's the plan with Lyra? 'And then number two, I kind of put the horse blinds on and I just go. I remind myself, 'It's this one big, hectic year, but all of the things that I'm doing, I'm immensely happy about doing.' 'The Strictly Live Tour, Chicago (obviously a huge dream come true), dancing with Aljaž again." Recommended reading: Coronation Street icon gives update on soap character's future after 65 years Sir David Jason reveals 'secret' role he played on iconic BBC comedy sketch show Britain's Got Talent fans complain 'waste of time' as KSI prank slammed Revealing what she hopes to be doing towards the end of 2025, including returning to host Strictly's It Takes Two, she shared: 'And then, fingers crossed, I'll be back with Fleur at the end of the year on It Takes Two. "At the end of the year, oddly enough, when Aljaž is getting busier, that's when it slows down for me. 'Because now, if I'm back, I'll have It Takes Two, two or three days a week and then the rest of the time I can be at home with Lyra. That's like my time to be mummy."
