Actor Jamie Borthwick hasn’t had the easiest of years since his stint on Strictly Come Dancing last year, let’s take a look at why he’s been in the eye of the storm…
Strictly Come Dancing has been known to either make or break a person’s career but it looks like the Strictly curse has transcended into Jamie Borthwick’s personal life as well as his professional commitments.
The 31-year-old competed on the BBC One show last year but despite coming in seventh place, his career has nose-dived after a string of scandals were attached to him.
He shot to fame in 2006 on EastEnders when he marked his first appearance as Jay Brown, a role he’s continued up until now, making him one of the longest-serving cast members in his age range.
However, just yesterday (September 6), it was announced the actor has been axed from the soap after 19 years. Let’s take a look back at what led to this moment and the controversies Jamie has been involved in…
READ MORE: Jacqueline Jossa wants EastEnders co-star to win NTA – despite being nominatedREAD MORE: EastEnders fans livid as they ‘work out’ reason Jamie Borthwick was axed
Cheating claims
After Jamie was involved in a sex toy scandal after brandishing the item in a video behind the scenes of the Strictly tour, his now ex-girlfriend Chloe decided to part ways with him earlier this year.
A source told The Sun in April: “Strictly was a whirlwind for Jamie and they managed to keep it going when he was on the show. But Chloe dumped Jamie when he finished the Strictly tour. She said she felt like Jamie didn’t have time for her.
“Seeing the video of him with the sex toy and acting so weirdly made her realise it was the right choice. Jamie acts like a boy in a man’s body. She doesn’t have time for that.”
Just days after the split was announced, it came to light that Jamie was reportedly cheating on Chloe with another woman.
According to the publication, Chloe told a pal: “I was seeing him between March last year and earlier this month — but I’ve learnt he was also with another woman from around August.
“I met his friends, including his Strictly pals, on the tour. I was on calls with his family, and he was going to give me a key to his new property and talked of me cooking him dinner when he got home.”
To make matters worse, a third alleged scorned lover named Jordan Dwyer came forward and claimed that she was in a relationship with him and had no idea he was dating two other women also.
Offensive slur
Jamie used a derogatory term about disabled people while competing on Strictly Come Dancing in a video that was allegedly shared by friends. It was reported that he had made the comment to describe the people of Blackpool, where the BBC show filmed a special live episode from the Blackpool Tower Ballroom.
He had issued a grovelling apology, stating: “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 went on to issue an apology to the people of Blackpool and reiterate his regret over his words.
As a result of his offensive language and behaviour, it was announced that the actor had been suspended from EastEnders.
The BBC confirmed this when the Mirror reached out to them as a spokesperson said: “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.”
EastEnders axe
Following his suspension back in June, it was revealed that Jamie will not be returning to the show he shot to fame on after being unceremoniously axed from EastEnders. The news was confirmed yesterday (September 6).
BBC Studios, which makes the soap, said: “We can confirm that Jamie Borthwick will not be returning to EastEnders. We do not comment on individual matters.”
The star, who played funeral home manager Jay, was spotted looking downcast and unshaven this week as he picked up bread and ham from a shop near his home. It is understood he was only told in recent days of the bosses’ decision.
During his nearly two-decade-run on the show, Jamie’s character Jay was involved in some high-profile storylines, including losing his dad Jace Dyer after he was killed by gang members.
Jay went onto see Billy Mitchell (Perry Fenwick) as his father figure and quickly became a part of the Mitchell clan.
Fans were left devastated in 2023 after Jay’s wife Lola Pearce died following a battle with a terminal brain tumour. Both actors were lauded for their performances during her final scenes as well as the aftermath and reality for Jay after losing his significant other.
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