According to the Mirror, after discussions with show bosses, actor Jamie Borthwick, who has been a member since 2006, has been fired.
Jamie Borthwick, an EastEnders actor, has been let go by the BBC after 19 years. The 31-year-old, one of the longest-serving cast members on the hit show, was informed that Albert Square was over.
BBC Studios, which makes the soap, said: “We can confirm that Jamie Borthwick will not be returning to EastEnders. We do not comment on individual matters.”
This week, the actor who plays funeral home manager Jay Brown was spotted picking up bread and ham from a store close to his home and appearing dejected and unshaven. He may have been informed of the decision only recently.
He was given a suspended sentence in June for describing Blackpool residents as offensive to those with disabilities while filming Strictly in the seaside resort.
His language, which was discovered in a video on a phone, was “entirely unacceptable and in no way reflects the values or standards we hold and expect,” according to the BBC at the time.
The disability charity Scope advised Jamie to reflect on his statements and become educated. We hope he takes the opportunity to learn about the daily lives of those with disabilities.
Jamie reportedly returned to the set this month to resume filming following his suspension. The BBC stated in a statement that “each case is always considered on its own facts,” adding that “we are very clear on our expectations that inappropriate behavior and language will not be tolerated.”
However, the actor has now been shown the door by bosses. After using the slur, Jamie publicly apologized and received two awards, including a British Soap Award for best dramatic performance from a 13-year-old actor and an Inside Soap Award for best actor.
In June, he said, “I’m deeply sorry for any offence and upset my words and actions have caused.” There is no justification for my ignorance of the offensive term I used and its definition. That completely irritates me. I am now aware that I directed the phrase in the manner that I did, and that I am deeply embarrassed to have used it. It was incorrect.
I was “excited and enthralled at the time I made the video.” Again, there is no justification. However, my regrettable deeds do not accurately reflect who I am or what my opinions are.
“I thoroughly enjoyed my time in both the Blackpool Tower Ballroom and the town itself.” The Strictly crew, dancers, and cast members have always been amazing to Blackpool residents… I apologize in full.
The actor won the Strictly Christmas special in 2023 and competed in last year’s series, when he was paired with professional dancer Michelle Tsiakkas.
He made it to Blackpool Week, but he was later removed from the election. His controversial appearance on Strictly included the slur. After a video of him and fellow contestant Wynne Evans laughing backstage and carrying a sex toy on the live tour, the actor was labeled “immature.”
Jamie allegedly shared the clip on the contestants’ WhatsApp group. BBC bosses were reportedly unimpressed and reminded both contestants of their responsibilities. Opera singer Wynne, 53, was later axed from the Strictly tour after using a sexual remark, which he later denied.
Given that it was a family show, the men were acting incredibly immature and inappropriately, according to a source who spoke for another publication. Many cast members didn’t share their crude humor.
Bosses were “horrified and shocked,” hoping to fix the problem before the video was made public.
This newspaper contacted Jamie to request comment.
Source: Mirror
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