After nearly two decades on British television, Jamie Borthwick’s tenure as Jay Brown on the iconic BBC soap EastEnders has come to a sudden and controversial end. The 31-year-old actor, who first arrived in Albert Square in 2006 as the foster son of Billy Mitchell, was officially axed from the long-running series following a suspension earlier this year over the use of a derogatory term.
The BBC confirmed the news on September 6, 2025, with a spokesperson for BBC Studios stating, “We can confirm that Jamie Borthwick will not be returning to EastEnders. We do not comment on individual matters.” This confirmation came after weeks of speculation about Borthwick’s future on the show and followed a period of uncertainty that began with his suspension in June.
Borthwick’s exit is rooted in an incident that occurred backstage during the 2024 season of Strictly Come Dancing. According to The Mirror and other outlets, a video surfaced showing Borthwick using an ableist slur while at the Blackpool Tower Ballroom, a famed venue for the dance competition’s live shows. The comment, reportedly directed at locals in Blackpool, was widely condemned as offensive and inappropriate. The BBC responded swiftly, suspending Borthwick and launching a review of the situation.
In an official statement, the BBC described the actor’s language as “entirely unacceptable and in no way reflects the values or standards we hold and expect at the BBC.” The broadcaster emphasized its robust processes for dealing with such incidents and made it clear that such behavior would not be tolerated. As reported by BBC News, the BBC produces both EastEnders and Strictly Come Dancing, adding further significance to their decision.
Borthwick himself issued a public apology, expressing deep regret for his words and actions. In a statement reported by The Sun and several other outlets, 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.” Borthwick further stated, “My regrettable actions are not a true reflection of my views, or who I am.”
Disability advocacy groups were quick to respond. Warren Kirwan, media manager at the charity Scope, told The Independent, “Attitudes and language like this are never acceptable. It’s not just ignorant and hurtful to disabled people, it has wider consequences. Negative attitudes hold disabled people back in all areas of life, from getting a job to shopping on the high street. 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.”
Initially, there was speculation that Borthwick might return to EastEnders after serving a three-month suspension. Reports in early September suggested he was due to restart filming, but the BBC’s final decision was to drop him altogether. This move surprised many fans and colleagues, especially given Borthwick’s long-standing role and the affection audiences held for his character.
Throughout his 19 years on EastEnders, Borthwick’s Jay Brown became a fixture in Walford, involved in numerous major storylines. From the tragic death of his father Jase Dyer to his poignant relationship with Lola Pearce—whose on-screen battle with cancer earned the show Best Storyline for “Loving and Losing Lola” at the 2023 Inside Soap Awards—Jay Brown was a character who resonated with viewers. Borthwick himself won several accolades, including the British Soap Award for Best Dramatic Performance from a Young Actor in 2008 and Best Actor at the 2023 Inside Soap Awards.
Outside of EastEnders, Borthwick found further fame in the world of dance. He won the 2023 Strictly Come Dancing Christmas special with partner Nancy Xu and returned for the 2024 series, this time paired with professional dancer Michelle Tsiakkas. Making it through to the celebrated Blackpool week—a milestone in the competition—he was ultimately voted off in November 2024 as the ninth celebrity to leave the show. His time on Strictly was marked by both achievement and, ultimately, controversy.
Behind the scenes, sources told The Sun that Borthwick’s character had not been central to EastEnders in recent months, with only about 30 appearances since the summer of 2024. The arrival of new executive producer Ben Wadey was also cited as a factor, with the scandal reportedly weighing heavily on decisions about the show’s direction. “Jamie is well thought of, but Jay hasn’t played a central role in the show for a while,” a source noted, adding that the scandal occurred soon after Wadey’s appointment, complicating matters further.
As for Borthwick’s final scenes, they have reportedly already aired, though the details of how Jay Brown will be written out remain under wraps. Fans are left wondering how the show will address the departure of such a longstanding character. Meanwhile, EastEnders is set to bring back another iconic figure, with Jake Wood confirming the imminent full-time return of Max Branning—a move that may help fill the void left by Borthwick’s exit.
The story of Jamie Borthwick’s departure from EastEnders is a reminder of the high standards to which public figures are held and the swift consequences that can follow when those standards are not met. It’s also a moment of transition for a beloved soap, as it continues to evolve in the face of both scandal and change.
