Jamie Borthwick Axed From ‘Eastenders’ For Using Ableist Slur While Filming ‘Strictly Come Dancing’

EastEnders star Jamie Borthwick has been axed from the BBC soap after 19 years because he used an ‘ableist slur’ while on the set of Strictly Come Dancing in Blackpool.

Initially back in June, Borthwick was suspended by the BBC, but it now looks like they’ve decided to sack him completely, which seems like a bit harsh, all things considered.

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.”

According to the Mirror, Borthwick had been due to restart filming on Eastenders this month following his suspension. But for some reason, they’ve now dropped him altogether.

A BBC Studios spokesperson said: “We can confirm that Jamie Borthwick will not be returning to EastEnders. We do not comment on individual matters.”

In June, 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”.

At the time, Borthwick – who portrayed the character of Jay Brown on Eastenders and was one of the show’s longest-serving cast members – apologised for “any offence and upset”.

In his apology, he said:

“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.”

And so that’s that. 19 years of service down the drain all because he said the M-word while being filmed by someone backstage on the set of Strictly Come Dancing. Again, unless there’s something else going on that we’re not privy to, it seems tremendously harsh. Especially when you consider everything else that goes on at the BBC.

In fact, 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.