Former Strictly Come Dancing contestant Jamie Borthwick has issued an apology for using a disabled slur and has reportedly been suspended from EastEnders as a result
EastEnders star Jamie Borthwick has declared he is “deeply sorry” for using a derogatory term about disabled people – and it is reported he is now suspended from the BBC show. The shock news comes six months after he was competing on the BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing – which is when the incident is said to have taken place.
The 30-year-old actor has appeared on EastEnders since 2006 in which he plays Jay Brown. However, it is stated he is on suspension from the soap following the revelation he used offensive language in a video that was allegedly shared with friends.
It has been reported the star was recorded using a derogatory word to describe locals in Blackpool – where the BBC show filmed a glitzy live episode from the Blackpool Tower Ballroom. The word he used is a derogatory term regarded as a disabled slur.
The star has sparked condemnation from the disability charity Scope and a local politician in Blackpool. It is reported footage was made of Jamie using the word which was then send to one of his friends.
He has issued a groveling apology which has been shared by The Sun on Sunday, stating: “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.
Meanwhile, The Sun claims that he has been suspended from EastEnders. When asked for comment, a BBC spokesperson told The Mirror: “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, Jamie appeared on Strictly where he was paired with professional dancer Michelle Tsiakkas. They featured alongside Go Compare opera singer Wynne Evans, 53, who sparked scandal when he ran his hands over his dance partner Katya Jones. While he and Katya dismissed the move as a joke, Wynne drew further scrutiny over comments that he made behind the scenes of the BBC show and accompanying live tour.
Jamie was grazed by the scandal due to his close friendship with Wynne – while it was suggested an adult nickname he had for the soap star had led to a misunderstanding behind the scenes of Strictly Live. Wynne has been tied into the new scandal, as he reportedly reacted to Jamie using the disabled slur to exclaim “Oh my god” while they were together on the set of the BBC show.
The incident is believed to have happened in November last year while the BBC show was recording from the Blackpool Tower Ballroom. It has been a difficult past few years for Strictly as it has lurched from one crisis to another.
The 2023 season was under a cloud as actress Amanda Abbington and Giovanni Pernice dropped out of the contest amid rumours of a backstage clash. The following year, their disagreement drew months of headlines as the Sherlock star accused the dancer of abusive behaviour.
The BBC conducted an investigation and Giovanni quit the show. The 2025 season is tipped to get underway in just two months time.
