Actor Jamie Borthwick has been axed from EastEnders after 19 years playing Jay Brown, one of Albert Square’s longest-serving characters.
The move comes four months after Borthwick was suspended from the BBC soap for using a disabled slur in a video recorded on the set of Strictly Come Dancing. In the clip, he used the derogatory term while referring to the people of Blackpool.
BBC Studios confirmed to Metro that Borthwick “will not be returning to EastEnders,” though said they do not comment on individual personnel matters. At the time of his suspension, the broadcaster described his comments as “entirely unacceptable,” adding that they “in no way reflect the values or standards we hold and expect at the BBC.”
Disability charity Scope called for the actor to undergo awareness training. Borthwick apologised “sincerely and wholeheartedly,” claiming he had not fully understood the meaning of the term when he used it. “I was excited and caught up in the moment … but my regrettable actions are not a true reflection of my views or who I am,” he said.
The Sun had reported last month that Borthwick could return, but the BBC declined to confirm. Sources have since told the outlet that while Borthwick was “well thought of,” his character had not been central to recent storylines and had made only about 30 appearances in the past year.
With new EastEnders executive producer Ben Wadey only recently taking charge, the scandal is said to have contributed to the decision that Borthwick’s time on the soap was over.
Borthwick, who has also appeared on Strictly Come Dancing and other projects outside the soap, has not publicly commented on his reported exit.
