SAEDNEWS: Jamie Borthwick, who has played Jay Brown on EastEnders since 2006, will not be returning to the BBC soap after 19 years, the broadcaster’s studios have confirmed. The decision follows the actor’s suspension earlier this year over the use of an offensive term while filming Strictly Come Dancing.
Jamie Borthwick — best known for playing Jay Brown on the BBC soap EastEnders — has been axed from the programme after 19 years, sources have told this paper. BBC Studios, which produces the soap, confirmed the decision in a short statement: “We can confirm that Jamie Borthwick will not be returning to EastEnders. We do not comment on individual matters.”
The 31-year-old actor was reportedly told of the decision only in recent days. He was seen looking downcast and unshaven as he picked up bread and ham from a shop near his home, according to eyewitnesses. The development marks the end of one of EastEnders’s longest-running tenures.
Borthwick’s exit comes after a suspension in June linked to footage that surfaced showing him using an offensive term to describe Blackpool residents while filming a Strictly Come Dancing segment. The BBC said at the time that the language in the clip was “entirely unacceptable and in no way reflects the values or standards we hold and expect.” Disability charity Scope publicly urged the actor to reflect on his words and to educate himself.
After the footage emerged, Borthwick issued a public apology, saying he was “deeply sorry for any offence and upset” caused by his words. He wrote that he had not fully understood the derogatory term he used and said he was “deeply embarrassed” to have used it, adding that his regrettable actions were not “a true reflection” of his views.
Reports had indicated that Borthwick was due to return to the EastEnders set this month to resume filming following his suspension, but those plans will not proceed after the BBC Studios decision. At the time the suspension was announced, the broadcaster said each case would be considered on its own facts and reiterated that “inappropriate behaviour and language will not be tolerated.”
Borthwick joined EastEnders in 2006 and won early acclaim — including a British Soap Award for best dramatic performance from a young actor — as his character Jay Brown grew from troubled teenager to community figure. He also featured on the BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing, winning the Christmas special in 2023 and appearing on the main series last year.
The slur was not the only row linked to Borthwick’s time around Strictly. Earlier footage emerged of him and fellow contestant Wynne Evans joking backstage and brandishing a sex toy during the live tour; that clip was reportedly shared on a contestants’ WhatsApp group and prompted further warnings from BBC executives. Opera singer Wynne Evans was later dropped from the Strictly tour after a separate controversy. Sources told reporters that production staff were “horrified and shocked,” and sought to contain the fallout as quickly as possible.
Across nearly two decades, Borthwick’s Jay Brown featured in high-profile storylines and earned the actor several awards, as well as a recognisable profile beyond the soap. His final EastEnders appearance was reported to have aired in August 2025, bringing to a close a run that began in December 2006.
Date | Event |
|---|---|
December 14, 2006 | Jamie Borthwick makes his first appearance as Jay Brown on EastEnders. |
2008 (age 13) | Won British Soap Award for Best Dramatic Performance from a Young Actor. |
2023 | Won Strictly Come Dancing Christmas special. |
November 2024 | Footage from Strictly Blackpool week (reported) later leads to scrutiny. |
June 7, 2025 | BBC suspends Borthwick after video emerges showing he used an ableist slur; BBC condemns language as “entirely unacceptable.” |
August 19, 2025 | Reported final appearance of Jay Brown on EastEnders. |
September 6, 2025 | BBC Studios confirms Borthwick will not return to EastEnders. |
BBC Studios declined to elaborate on the specific reasons for the decision beyond the statement confirming Borthwick would not be returning, and said it would not comment on individual matters. The broadcaster has repeatedly emphasised its expectations around conduct and language for all presenters and performers.
The actor’s suspension drew condemnation from campaign groups and media scrutiny, while other cast members and production staff were reportedly reminded of their responsibilities in light of the incidents. Industry insiders told reporters the BBC acted swiftly when the clips became public and that producers were determined to maintain the family-show standards audiences expect.
This newspaper approached Jamie Borthwick for comment. At the time of publication no further statement had been received beyond his earlier apology.
