After nearly two decades as a staple on British television, Jamie Borthwick’s run as Jay Brown on the long-running BBC soap EastEnders has come to a sudden and controversial end. The 31-year-old actor, who first stepped onto Albert Square in December 2006 as a wide-eyed 12-year-old, was officially dropped from the show this September following the emergence of a video in which he used offensive language. The BBC confirmed his departure on September 7, 2025, sending shockwaves through the show’s devoted fan base and sparking widespread debate about accountability, redemption, and the evolving standards of public conduct for celebrities.
Borthwick’s exit marks the conclusion of one of EastEnders’ most enduring character arcs. Over the years, audiences watched Jay Brown navigate heartbreaking storylines: from losing his parents at just 14, to the tragic death of his beloved spouse Lola, and countless other moments of turmoil and resilience. His performance earned him a British Soap Award for best dramatic performance from a young actor in 2008, and an Inside Soap Award for best actor in 2023, cementing his status as a fan favorite and a key figure in the show’s ensemble.
But behind the scenes, trouble had been brewing since late 2024. During the filming of Strictly Come Dancing’s Blackpool week last November, Borthwick was caught on video using a derogatory term to describe residents of Blackpool. The incident, which reportedly took place at the iconic Blackpool Tower Ballroom, was captured on a phone and quickly circulated among production staff. By June 2025, the BBC had suspended Borthwick from EastEnders, citing the use of “entirely unacceptable” language that “in no way reflects the values or standards we hold and expect at the BBC,” according to an official spokesperson quoted by The Independent and The Mirror.
The suspension initially left fans hopeful for a possible return. Rumors swirled that Borthwick would resume filming in September, with some speculating that the long-serving actor might be given a chance to redeem himself. But those hopes were dashed when, just days before filming was set to restart, Borthwick was informed that his time on EastEnders was over. BBC Studios issued a brief but definitive statement: “We can confirm that Jamie Borthwick will not be returning to EastEnders. We do not comment on individual matters.”
Borthwick’s own response was swift and contrite. In a public apology issued in June, he stated, “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 added, “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 am truly sorry.”
The fallout extended beyond the BBC. Disability equality charity Scope weighed in with a pointed message: “Attitudes and language like this are never acceptable. Mr Borthwick needs to reflect on what he said, educate himself and do better. We hope he takes the opportunity to get to know the reality of disabled people’s lives.” The organization also praised the BBC for taking the matter seriously, underscoring the growing expectation that media institutions act decisively in the face of discriminatory language or behavior.
Fans, meanwhile, have been vocal in their reactions—ranging from disappointment to anger to speculation about the real reasons behind the actor’s axing. Social media and fan forums lit up with theories. Some suggested the BBC was simply looking for an excuse to trim the wage bill, while others lamented the lack of compelling storylines for Jay Brown in recent years. “What a shame. Although Jay not had any good storylines for ages,” one fan wrote on Facebook, while another added, “Sorry Jamie! You were such a good actor, particularly in the Lola/Lexi scenes.” A few even speculated that Borthwick might soon appear on rival soaps like Hollyoaks or find work on Channel 4, reflecting the actor’s enduring popularity despite the controversy.
As for Jay Brown’s fate on the show, speculation is rampant. Some viewers are convinced the character will be killed off, potentially off-screen, to provide a clean break. “It wouldn’t surprise me if they kill Jay off now,” one fan commented, with others agreeing that such a move would be “brutal.” The BBC, true to form, has remained tight-lipped about the specifics, stating only that “each case is always considered on its own facts” and reiterating their policy that “inappropriate behaviour and language will not be tolerated.”
Borthwick’s fall from grace is particularly striking given his recent successes. In addition to his soap awards, he won the Strictly 2023 Christmas special with Nancy Xu and made it to Blackpool week in the 2024 series alongside professional partner Michelle Tsiakkas, before being voted off in November. His career trajectory seemed assured—until the events of that fateful night in Blackpool changed everything.
The saga raises thorny questions about forgiveness, learning, and the boundaries of public accountability. Should a single mistake cost someone a career built over nineteen years? Is there a path back for those who show genuine remorse and a willingness to change? Or, as some fans and disability advocates argue, do institutions like the BBC have a duty to set a clear example, regardless of personal history or popularity?
For now, the only certainty is that EastEnders will move forward without one of its most recognizable faces. As the dust settles, viewers are left to ponder the legacy of Jay Brown—and of Jamie Borthwick, the actor who brought him to life for a generation. The debate over his exit will likely continue to simmer for some time, both in Walford and beyond.
Sometimes, even the longest-running stories come to an abrupt end—and for Jamie Borthwick, that ending arrived sooner, and more suddenly, than anyone expected.
