Jamie Borthwick ‘makes attempts to right wrongs’ to save TV career

Actor Jamie Borthwick has reportedly made a last-minute attempt to save his EastEnders career following his suspension for using a disabled slur.

The 2024 Strictly Come Dancing star is believed to have made the offensive remark while filming for the show in Blackpool last November.

Jamie was captured in the iconic Tower Ballroom discussing the people of the Northern seaside destination, using a long outdated and derogatory term, which has been condemned by Blackpool Council’s Tory group leader Paul Galley, who called it a ‘shocking’ and ‘horrible’ comment.

‘Blackpool, by the way. Absolute m********s,’ Jamie is thought to have said at the time.

His Strictly co-star Wynne Evans can be heard saying, ‘Oh my God.’

The BBC told Metro: ‘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.’

It was later reported by The Sun on Sunday that bosses have put a hold on his portrayal as Jay Brown – having now been suspended.

According to sister publication The Sun, he has confessed to a former partner that it’s ‘not clear’ whether he will ever return to the broadcaster’s flagship soap opera.

Jamie is quoted as saying: ‘I accept the karma that has come my way due to some bad choices.’ 

He is also ‘attempting to write the wrongs in my life’, adding that he wanted to ‘sincerely apologise for the mistakes I made and for hurting you and how I handled the whole situation’.

Metro has reached out to Jamie’s representatives for comment.

Jamie, who has been part of the EastEnders cast since 2006, also issued a statement: ‘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.’

He continued: ‘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.’

He concluded with: ‘I am truly sorry.’

This isn’t the first time that Jamie has found himself at the centre of controversy following his Strictly appearance. In

April, he and Wynne made headlines after a video emerged of them joking around with a sex toy backstage at the tour in Birmingham, which saw them chastised by bosses.

This happened prior to the opera singer being removed from the nationwide tour in January due to inappropriate behaviour.

He was accused of making sexual comments around colleagues, for which he has since apologised. BBC Radio Wales have said that contract would not be renewed after an investigation, which he said ‘breaks [his] heart’.

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