Jamie Borthwick suspended by BBC for ‘disabled slur’

The EastEnders actor made the comments during his time on Strictly Come Dancing…

BBC Suspends EastEnders regular Jamie Borthwick over use of offensive language.

Borthwick has been suspended by the Beeb after using a derogatory term relating to disability during the filming of Strictly Come Dancing last year. The remark, which surfaced in a video from the show’s Blackpool special recorded in November, was reported by The Sun on Sunday. Borthwick, who has played the character Jay Brown on the BBC One soap since 2006, was participating in the dance competition’s most recent series.

In a statement issued to The Sun, the 30-year-old actor apologised “sincerely and wholeheartedly” for the language used, admitting he had not fully understood the offensive nature of the term at the time.

“It is no excuse, but I did not fully understand the derogatory term I used and its meaning. That is on me completely,” Borthwick said. “Now I am aware, I am deeply embarrassed to have used the term and directed it in the way I did.”

Jamie Borthwick and Nancy Xu won the 2023 Strictly Christmas Special / BBC

Borthwick then took part in the regular series in 2024 alongside Michelle Tsiakkas / BBC

The corporation described his language as “entirely unacceptable and in no way reflective of the values or standards we hold and expect.” The broadcaster confirmed his suspension from duties but did not comment on the duration of the disciplinary action or whether it would affect his long-term role on EastEnders.

Disability equality charity Scope urged the actor to use the incident as a learning opportunity. “We hope he takes the opportunity to get to know the reality of disabled people’s lives,” said Warren Kirwan, the organisation’s media manager. “Words matter. Language shapes attitudes, and disabled people deserve respect.”

Borthwick appeared in the latest series of Strictly alongside professional partner Michelle Tsiakkas. The BBC has stated that it is handling the matter internally. Borthwick’s representatives had been approached for further comment by BBC News but had as yet not responded to the broadcaster.

The BBC star says he is ‘deeply embarrassed to have used the term’ following the emergence of footage of him using a slur against disabled people