Eastenders star Jamie Borthwick AKA Jay Brown has been suspended by the BBC after using an ‘ableist slur’ while on the set of Strictly Come Dancing in Blackpool.
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.”
Borthwick has since apologised for “any offence and upset”, telling The Sun:
“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.”
Even still, the BBC felt it had no choice but to suspended Borthwick, and put out the following statement:
“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.”
Warren Kirwan, media manager at disabled 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.”
Borthwick’s use of the M-word isn’t even close to 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.
No idea how long Borthwick’s BBC suspension will last, but good luck to the creative team on Eastenders who I’m guessing will have to re-write a whole bunch of stuff now. Unlucky Jay.
