EastEnders star suspended over ‘unacceptable’ language

EastEnders star Jamie Borthwick has been suspended by the BBC after utilizing a slur in opposition to individuals with disabilities on the set of Strictly Come Dancing.

The offensive comment was made final November throughout filming for the BBC dance present’s flagship Blackpool week, the Solar on Sunday reported.

The BBC stated his language was “totally unacceptable and on no account displays the values or requirements we maintain and anticipate”.

The newspaper stated that Borthwick, who performs Jay Brown – a key long-running character on the cleaning soap – apologised for “any offence and upset”.

BBC Information has approached his representatives for a remark.

Incapacity charity Scope stated Borthwick ought to replicate on what he stated and educate himself.

“We hope he takes the chance to get to know the truth of disabled individuals’s lives,” stated the organisation’s media supervisor Warren Kirwan.

Borthwick is claimed to have made the offensive comment on a cellphone video whereas backstage throughout rehearsals on the Blackpool Tower Ballroom.

He reportedly used the time period to explain the individuals of the seaside city.

In his assertion to the Solar on Sunday, Borthwick stated: “I wish to apologise sincerely and wholeheartedly for the phrases I used within the video displaying my response to creating it by Blackpool week on Strictly.”

He added: “It’s no excuse, however I didn’t totally perceive the derogatory time period I used and its which means.

“That’s on me utterly.

“Now I’m conscious, I’m deeply embarrassed to have used the time period and directed it in the way in which I did.”

Borthwick rose to fame for his portrayal of Jay Brown (beforehand Mitchell) in BBC cleaning soap EastEnders.

He has starred in it since 2006, making him one of many longest-serving actors on the present.

He has received a British Cleaning soap Award for finest dramatic efficiency from a younger actor, and an Inside Cleaning soap Award for finest actor.

The 30-year-old took half within the newest sequence of Strictly, the place he was paired with skilled dancer Michelle Tsiakkas.

It marked a return to the ballroom for him, after he received the 2023 Christmas particular.

He made it by to Blackpool week – seen as a key milestone within the contest – however was voted off later in November, making him the ninth superstar to depart the present.

His offensive comment is the most recent controversy to hit Strictly, which celebrated its twentieth anniversary final yr.

Final month, former contestant and radio host Wynne Evans introduced he was leaving his BBC Radio Wales present after the broadcaster “determined to not renew” his contract.

He had been taking day without work his daytime present after apologising for making what he described as an “inappropriate and unacceptable” remark through the Strictly stay tour launch in December.