Jamie Borthwick’s Eastenders Exit Explained In Tiny, Trivial Scene Following Axing For Using M-Word

As you may have heard, Eastenders star Jamie Borthwick has been axed from the BBC soap after using an ‘ableist slur’ while on the set of Strictly Come Dancing in Blackpool.

Initially back in June, Borthwick was suspended by the BBC, but they then decided to sack him completely, which seems like a bit harsh, if you ask us.

The comment wasn’t made on air, but rather backstage during rehearsals, where he described locals in Blackpool as m********s, or the M-word, as I guess we should call it.

Unfortunately for Borthwick, he made the comment on camera and the clip was then sent around social media. In it, he’s backstage with co-star Wynne Evans at the Blackpool Tower Ballroom and giddy with excitement over progressing in the competition.

The actor, 30, turns to the camera and says while laughing: “Blackpool by the way. Absolute m********s.”

Well, this week, Jamie AKA Jay Brown’s exit was explained in storyline terms during an episode, although it was basically a complete side note and you would have easily missed it if you weren’t paying attention. Watch below:

And that’s that for the character of Jay Brown. He’s gone off to look after his sick granddad and presumably he’ll never be back. Unless they give it a few months and have another actor replace him, which is something they’ve done several times in the past.

Again, seems a lame send-off for someone who first appeared on the show in 2006 and has been part of the cast for nearly 20 years. They’ve had to sack him and act like he doesn’t exist, all because he cracked a joke in a private conversation (that was being filmed behind-the-scenes).

At the time, the BBC said his language on the set of Strictly was “entirely unacceptable and in no way reflects the values or standards we hold and expect”.

Jamie also apologised for “any offence and upset”:

“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.

“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.”

Of course, Borthwick’s use of the M-word isn’t even close to being the worst thing an Eastenders actor has done in their personal lives. Leslie Grantham AKA Dirty Den murdered a guy and went to prison for 10 years.. and that was before he got the job on Eastenders!

Then again, Grantham was also fired for w@nking off on a webcam while slagging off his colleagues, so there is that too.

Good luck to Jamie Borthwick on his future endeavours. He’s still young enough to avoid the regional pantomime fate which befalls most ex-soap types, so that’s something he’s got going for him.