DISGRACED EastEnders star Jamie Borthwick’s job on the soap could be at risk after his disabled slur scandal.
The actor – who has played Jay Brown for 19 years on the BBC soap – was suspended by bosses after he was filmed using a sickening slur while backstage at Strictly Come Dancing.
Jamie Borthwick’s EastEnders job ‘at risk’ over disabled slur scandal[/caption]
The star has played Jay Brown for 19 years[/caption]
He issued a grovelling apology to The Sun on Sunday but now sources say it may not be enough to bring the matter to a close.
While Jamie’s suspension isn’t believed to have had a drastic effect on filming schedules or re-writes, it has put a question mark in the industry over his job at the soap.
A source said: “Jamie is well thought of but 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.
“Meanwhile Jamie has been kept busy outside of EastEnders by being given the Strictly Christmas special in 2023 and then the full series last year.
“But consquently on EastEnders he’s barely been seen with about 30 appearances on screen since last summer.
“And with a new boss in Ben Wadey who only recently took the helm and with the scandal taking place so soon into his tenure feeling is that Jamie’s place on the show could be at serious risk.”
Jamie sent shockwaves behind the scenes at the BBC soap’s Elstree-based set last weekend when The Sun On Sunday revealed a video had emerged of him on the set of the dance show last year.
In it, he was seen using the term “m********s” to describe the people of Blackpool, the seaside town where the show was being filmed for its annual special.
Jamie made the shameful remark while the Strictly cast were at the Blackpool Tower Ballroom last November.
The footage – which was sent to a pal – shows him backstage during rehearsals alongside co-star Wynne Evans, who was recently sacked by the BBC.
The pair were excited to learn they had been selected for the Strictly tour, which toured the country earlier this year.
Jamie is then seen laughing, before saying: “Blackpool by the way. Absolute m********s.”
The BBC suspended him from the soap while they investigate the matter.
They said in a statement: “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.”
Jamie apologised saying: “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.
Strictly Curse – The Lowdown
STRICTLY Come Dancing’s latest series has already been hit by rumours of a BBC show ‘curse’ – yet what is it?
A host of Strictly Come Dancing stars have been struck by the Strictly Curse during the past two decades.
This is where celebrities who may or may not be attached in the outside world become more than friends with their professional partners.
A total of 20 relationships are said to have been impacted so far over the show’s 20 years.
It has seen relationships crumble with dance floor romances and punishing rehearsal schedules to blame.
This includes the partnerships of Louise and Jamie Redknapp as well as Kevin Clifton and Karen Hauer.
Controversially, Judge Craig Revel Horwood once said of the curse: “I think of it as a blessing, to be honest. One person is married, the other one had a girlfriend but my point in this entire thing is: if you come on Strictly, sometimes you are in a relationship that is not working anyway.
“There has to be something wrong in your relationship before it all goes awry.”
Series one winner Brendan Cole left his fiancé, fellow Strictly professional Camilla Dallerup, during filming for the very first series in spring 2004.
Brendan was said to have fallen for his celebrity partner and inaugural winner Natasha Kaplinsky, although the duo didn’t confirm they were romantically involved.
“I know they will be again for this year’s show and those in years to come. I am truly sorry.”
EastEnders has been contacted for comment.
