Jamie Borthwick suspended from EastEnders after using disabled slur
The 2024 Strictly Come Dancing star is believed to have made the offensive remark while in Blackpool last November.
Jamie was recorded on a mobile phone on the set of Strictly as they filmed in the iconic Tower Ballroom.
Describing the people of seaside town Blackpool, he used the term 'm********s', which was condemned by Blackpool Council's Tory group leader Paul Galley, who called it a 'shocking' and 'horrible' comment.
Consequently, the BBC issued a statement to The Sun on Sunday: 'This language is entirely unacceptable and in no way reflects the values or standards we hold and expect at the BBC.
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'We have robust processes in place for this.'
As per the publication, Jamie, who joined EastEnders in 2006, has now been suspended from the BBC.
Jamie also issued an apology, saying: '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 continued: 'When I made the video, I was excited and caught up in the moment.
'Again, that is no excuse. But my regrettable actions are not a true reflection of my views or who I am.
'I enjoyed every minute of my time in the Blackpool Tower Ballroom and the town itself.
'The people of Blackpool have always been amazing with the Strictly crew, dancers, and cast members.
'I know they will be again for this year's show and those in years to come.'
He concluded with: 'I am truly sorry.'
The footage he refers to also featured Wynne Evans, with the pair having been informed they had been selected for the nationwide Strictly Live Tour.
'Blackpool, by the way. Absolute m********s,' Jamie is thought to have said at the time.
After Jamie used the slur, The Sun's video has Wynne saying, 'Oh my God.'
It also attracted backlash from disability campaigners and residents of Blackpool.
Warren Kirwan, Media Manager at disability equality charity Scope, said: '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.'
This is not the first time Jamie has been caught up in a Strictly-related controversy.
In April, he and Wynne made headlines after a video emerged of them larking around with a sex toy backstage at the tour in Birmingham, which saw them chastised by bosses.
This happened prior to opera singer Wynne being removed from the tour in January due to inappropriate behaviour.
He was accused of making sexual comments around colleagues, for which he apologised.
The GoCompare frontman was also filmed making a 'spit-roast' jibe during a photo session, which was believed to have referred to host Janette Manrara. More Trending
Defending himself last month in his first interview since the drama began, Wynne insisted that he was actually addressing Jamie, whom they called 'spit-roast boy' among the cast, 'because he could contort his legs over his head like a spit-roast chicken.'
'I would be the first to apologise if I had used it in the double meaning of that word,' he told The Sun.
However, in the latest development, Wynne was informed that his BBC Radio Wales contract would not be renewed after an investigation, which he said 'breaks [his] heart'.
EastEnders has been contacted for comment.
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