Exclusive:
EastEnders star Jamie Borthwick has revealed he had a secret struggle with on Strictly Come Dancing as he suffered a ‘very difficult week’ while juggling two commitments
Actor Jamie Borthwick has opened up on his secret struggle during Strictly Come Dancing.
The EastEnders star took part in the latest series of the BBC dance competition as he was partnered with professional dancer Michelle Tsiakkas. They struck up a close bond on the show and Jamie won over a legion of new fans with his dance skills. He had the slight advantage of winning the Strictly Christmas special in 2023 with Nancy Xu, yet left the show in 10th place.
Jamie carried on his day job as Jay Brown EastEnders while filming Strictly, as the studios are close to each other. However, it did get to a point where juggling two jobs started to take its strain. Speaking exclusively to the Mirror, Jamie admitted: “We had moments when it was easier than others. Our last week when we left the show was a very difficult week.
“If we had have got through that week, it would have been next to impossible. We made the best out of it, we worked so hard together and we got through it.” Jamie is heading out on the Strictly Come Dancing Live tour with Michelle and their co-stars. This time, he has decided to take a break from filming so he can focus on the shows.
Jamie and Michelle have battled romance rumours since they were paired on Strictly. The actor revealed they still have a very close bond since leaving the competition and haven’t even had chance to miss each other. He said: “We haven’t left each others side since we got out. I haven’t missed her because we have spoke everyday.
“Michelle is an amazing dancer, she is an amazing teacher. Strictly are very lucky to have her. Whoever is her partner next year, they don’t know it yet, but I don’t like them whoever they are.” However, Jamie has previously compared their relationship to being like siblings.
Jamie previously told The Mirror: “The idea of that whole Strictly curse, well it’s definitely not going to be a thing here because it would be weird doing that with my sister. Michelle and I met before Strictly and we instantly had a connection. But she is like a sister, an aunt, a mum, a best friend. She’s looking after me, she’s mothering me.”
Professional dancer Michelle is loved up with partner Simone Arena, who Jamie secretly idolises. He explained: “Her boyfriend doesn’t know it yet because we’ve never met, but he’s my rock already. I’ve been looking him up, watching him dance on his shows and I’m like, ‘Mate, you’re my icon’. He’s an absolutely fantastic dancer.” Before joining Strictly, Jamie quipped “no-one loves him” when asked if he had imposed a sex-ban to fully concentrate on the contest.
Strictly Come Dancing Live Tour opens in Birmingham on Friday 17th January for the first night of 30 shows across the UK
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