EastEnders star Jamie Borthwick has been axed by the BBC following his scandal on Strictly Come Dancing.
The 31-year-old actor, who played Jay Brown, had been on Albert’s Square since 2006, making him one of the longest-serving cast members still working on the show.
A spokesperson for BBC studios confirmed to Metro that Jamie ‘will not be returning to EastEnders’.
They added: ‘We do not comment on individual matters.’
His exit comes after he was suspended four months ago from the long-running BBC soap for using a slur.
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At the time of the scandal, BBC bosses issued a statement, calling his comments ‘entirely unacceptable’.
What did Jamie Borthwick say on Strictly?
Jamie was sensationally fired by the BBC after using a disabled slur.
The actor was originally suspended for using the derogatory phrase while describing the people of Blackpool when on the set of Strictly Come Dancing.
He was filmed using the term ‘m********s’ during his time on Strictly last year.
He was reportedly backstage during rehearsals with Wynne Evans who could be heard saying ‘Oh my God’ when he made the remark.
This was the second Strictly-related controversy he had found himself in after he and Wynne were embroiled in a shocking sex toy video.
In footage obtained by The Sun on Sunday in April, the two stars were filmed backstage after the opera singer sent a sex toy to the EastEnders star.
Why was Jamie Borthwick suspended?
Originally, The Sun reported that Jamie could be heading back to Albert’s Square.
But a source told the outlet that while Borthwick is ‘well thought of’, ‘Jay hasn’t played a central role in the show for a while.’
‘The character hasn’t had a major storyline recently – he’s been very much a supporting character of late.’
BBC bosses previously said in a statement to Metro, declaring that what Jamie said ‘in no way reflects the values or standards [they] hold and expect at the BBC.’
Scope, a disability charity, also called for him to get ‘awareness training’ as the actor apologised ‘sincerely and wholeheartedly’.
Did Jamie Borthwick apologise for his Strictly slur?
At the time of the incident, Jamie issued a formal apology in a statement.
He said that he did not fully understand the derogatory nature of the term he used but now that he is aware, he is ‘deeply embarrassed’.
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.
‘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.’
Metro has contacted a representative for Jamie and EastEnders.
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