Latest news with #JayBrown
The Sun
15-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
EastEnders star Jamie Borthwick makes a last-gasp bid to clean up his act after disabled slur scandal and BBC suspension
EASTENDERS star Jamie Borthwick is set to save his BBC career after 'sincerely apologising' for his behaviour and making a last-gasp bid to clean up his act. The star accepted the 'karma that has come my way' after his sickening disabled slur led to his suspension. 5 5 5 He is booked in for high-level talks with corporation bosses and there is a growing belief he could eventually continue in his role as Jay Brown in Albert Square. It comes after the 30-year-old was suspended following The Sun on Sunday's revelation last weekend that he blurted out the hurtful term 'm********s' while on the Strictly Come Dancing set. Jamie used the offensive phrase to pour scorn on Blackpool, which is seen as the jewel in each series of the BBC 's prime-time family show. As part of his bid to save his acting career, he this week sent a heartfelt message to a former partner, conceding it was 'not clear' if he'd be returning to EastEnders. But he told how the circumstances had given him time to reflect on 'decisions that have led me here'. Jamie said: 'I accept the karma that has come my way due to some bad choices.' He went on to say he is 'attempting to right the wrongs in my life', and 'want to sincerely apologise for the mistakes I made and for hurting you and how I handled the whole situation'. And he added: 'Had I the opportunity to turn the clock back I would do so and do everything differently.' The Sun told how Jamie issued the vile video while standing alongside GoCompare opera singer Wynne Evans. Moment Jamie Borthwick is seen waving up at Jordan in the audience The duo were in Blackpool for week nine of the Strictly TV series show in November last year when Jamie sent the obscene footage to a pal. The EastEnders star, who joined the soap in 2006, said in a public apology: '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. '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. I am truly sorry.' The BBC said his language was 'entirely unacceptable and in no way reflects the values or standards we hold and expect'. Disability charity Scope said Borthwick should reflect on what he said and educate himself. "We hope he takes the opportunity to get to know the reality of disabled people's lives,' said the organisation's media manager Warren Kirwan. In April, The Sun told how Jamie and Wynne were rapped by BBC bosses for sharing a backstage joke over a sex toy video when the Strictly tour was in Birmingham. A source told us last night: "Jamie has been reaching out to people off his own back and trying to sort his life out once and for all. He is genuinely remorseful. He's a young man with his acting career stretching out ahead of him. "He will be forced to stay at home for a while and acknowledge his misdemeanours. A lesson is being learned. But it's good news for fans that there is a good chance that we haven't seen the last of Jamie in Albert Square." 5 5
Daily Mail
13-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Jamie Borthwick's EastEnders job 'at risk' after being 'suspended for using shocking disabled slur backstage at Strictly'
Jamie Borthwick 's job on EastEnders could be at risk after his disabled slur scandal. The actor, who has played Jay Brown for 19 years, has been suspended by the BBC after he used a slur aimed at disabled people on the set of Strictly. He has since issued an apology, sharing that he did not fully understand the derogatory nature of the term he used but now that he is aware, he is 'deeply embarrassed'. A source has now told The Sun his job is at risk, explaining: 'Jamie is well thought of but Jay hasn't played a central role in the show for a while. 'The character hasn't had a major storyline recently - he's been very much a supporting character of late.' From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the DailyMail's new Showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop. The actor, who has played Jay Brown for 19 years, has been suspended by the BBC after he used a slur aimed at disabled people on the set of Strictly Jamie has been kept busy with Strictly since appearing on the Christmas special in 2023, and then the full series in 2024, so hasn't taken on any major storylines on the BBC show for a while. The insider added: 'With a new boss in Ben Wadey who only recently took the helm and with the scandal taking place so soon into his tenure feeling is that Jamie's place on the show could be at serious risk.' MailOnline has contacted the BBC and Jamie's representatives for comment. A video obtained by The Sun showed the EastEnders actor using the term 'm********s' to describe residents of Blackpool where the show was being filmed at the time. He was reportedly backstage during rehearsals with Wynne Evans who could be heard saying 'Oh my God' when he made the remark. In the video clip, Jamie and Wynne were reportedly sharing their excitement at being selected for a place on the Strictly tour. Jamie has since issued an apology for using the slur, 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.' 'The character hasn't had a major storyline recently - he's been very much a supporting character of late' Jamie added he did not fully understand the derogatory nature of the term he used but now that he is aware, he is 'deeply embarrassed'. The soap star said his actions were not a true reflection of his views and he reiterated how sorry he is. The BBC told 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. We have robust processes in place for this.' Jamie, who has played Jay Brown on EastEnders since 2006, is now said to have been suspended from the show. Jamie, laughing, is reported to have said: 'Blackpool by the way. 'Absolute m********s'.' MailOnline has contacted the BBC for further comment. It's the second Strictly-related controversy Jamie has found himself in after he and Wynne were reportedly blasted by BBC bosses over a shocking sex toy video. In footage obtained by The Sun on Sunday in April, the two stars were filmed backstage after the opera singer sent a sex toy to the EastEnders star. Filmed just two days after Wynne was recorded making a vile sexual comment to Jamie about pro dancer Janette Manrara , the video sees Jamie claiming the toy was sent to Birmingham 's Utilita Arena reception by Wynne. The actor smiles as he holds up the rubber toy, then points the camera at Wynne who is seen shirtless as he practices with professional dancer Neil Jones . Jamie says: 'Look at what he bought me. I opened it up and he surprised me with this, didn't he. It's so funny.' Jamie reportedly shared the offensive clip on the Strictly contestant Whatsapp group. A source told The Sun: 'As soon as BBC executives were made aware of this shocking and immature footage being shared they formally addressed the issue and reminded the pair they had to act professionally. 'The men were acting extremely immaturely and inappropriately, considering it was a family show, and many cast members didn't share their crass sense of humour. 'Bosses were horrified and shocked, hoping to nip the issue in the bud, unaware the video had been shared more widely.' They added that the pair thought the video was funny, yet while they saw the hilarity, others didn't, especially as Strictly is a family show. It came after Wynne was recorded crudely suggesting a three-way sex session with Janette, using the hugely demeaning term 'spit roast'. Janette did not make a complaint against the singer, yet he apologised for the vile remark aimed at tour host Janette, when footage emerged of the comment at the tour's press launch. He was then axed from the tour.
The Sun
13-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Jamie Borthwick's EastEnders job ‘at risk' over disabled slur scandal
DISGRACED EastEnders star Jamie Borthwick's job on the soap could be at risk after his disabled slur scandal. The actor - who has played Jay Brown for 19 years on the BBC soap - was suspended by bosses after he was filmed using a sickening slur while backstage at Strictly Come Dancing. 2 2 He issued a grovelling apology to The Sun on Sunday but now sources say it may not be enough to bring the matter to a close. While Jamie's suspension isn't believed to have had a drastic effect on filming schedules or re-writes, it has put a question mark in the industry over his job at the soap. A source said: 'Jamie is well thought of but Jay hasn't played a central role in the show for a while. 'The character hasn't had a major storyline recently - he's been very much a supporting character of late. 'Meanwhile Jamie has been kept busy outside of EastEnders by being given the Strictly Christmas special in 2023 and then the full series last year. 'But consquently on EastEnders he's barely been seen with about 30 appearances on screen since last summer. 'And with a new boss in Ben Wadey who only recently took the helm and with the scandal taking place so soon into his tenure feeling is that Jamie's place on the show could be at serious risk.' Jamie sent shockwaves behind the scenes at the BBC soap's Elstree-based set last weekend when The Sun On Sunday revealed a video had emerged of him on the set of the dance show last year. In it, he was seen using the term 'm********s' to describe the people of Blackpool, the seaside town where the show was being filmed for its annual special. Jamie made the shameful remark while the Strictly cast were at the Blackpool Tower Ballroom last November. Strictly's Jamie Borthwick cheated on me during the show and then used co-star to try and smooth it over, ex tells pals The footage - which was sent to a pal - shows him backstage during rehearsals alongside co-star Wynne Evans, who was recently sacked by the BBC. The pair were excited to learn they had been selected for the Strictly tour, which toured the country earlier this year. Jamie is then seen laughing, before saying: 'Blackpool by the way. Absolute m********s.' The BBC suspended him from the soap while they investigate the matter. They said in a statement: '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.' Jamie apologised 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. '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. Strictly Curse - The Lowdown STRICTLY Come Dancing's latest series has already been hit by rumours of a BBC show 'curse' - yet what is it? A host of Strictly Come Dancing stars have been struck by the Strictly Curse during the past two decades. This is where celebrities who may or may not be attached in the outside world become more than friends with their professional partners. A total of 20 relationships are said to have been impacted so far over the show's 20 years. It has seen relationships crumble with dance floor romances and punishing rehearsal schedules to blame. This includes the partnerships of Louise and Jamie Redknapp as well as Kevin Clifton and Karen Hauer. Controversially, Judge Craig Revel Horwood once said of the curse: 'I think of it as a blessing, to be honest. One person is married, the other one had a girlfriend but my point in this entire thing is: if you come on Strictly, sometimes you are in a relationship that is not working anyway. 'There has to be something wrong in your relationship before it all goes awry.' Series one winner Brendan Cole left his fiancé, fellow Strictly professional Camilla Dallerup, during filming for the very first series in spring 2004. Brendan was said to have fallen for his celebrity partner and inaugural winner Natasha Kaplinsky, although the duo didn't confirm they were romantically involved. 'I know they will be again for this year's show and those in years to come. I am truly sorry.'
Wales Online
09-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
EastEnders star suspended by BBC after disabled slur on Strictly set
EastEnders star suspended by BBC after disabled slur on Strictly set A video emerged of the actor, who plays Jay Brown on the soap, using the term to describe the people of Blackpool, the town where the show was being filmed, The Sun on Sunday first reported (Image: ITV ) EastEnders star Jamie Borthwick has been suspended by the BBC after using a disabled slur on the Strictly Come Dancing set. A video emerged of the actor, who plays Jay Brown on the soap, using the term to describe the people of Blackpool, the town where the show was being filmed, The Sun on Sunday first reported. Borthwick is said to have made the offensive remark on a phone video while the Strictly cast were at Blackpool Tower Ballroom last November. A spokesperson for the BBC 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." Warren Kirwan, media manager at disability equality charity Scope, said: "Attitudes and language like this are never acceptable. Article continues below "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." Borthwick won the Strictly 2023 Christmas special with Nancy Xu, and won the best actor gong at the Inside Soap Awards in September that year, with the show recognised with the best storyline for Loving And Losing Lola, about character Lola Pearce-Brown's brain tumour diagnosis. As part of the storyline, Borthwick, as Lola's husband Jay, and Emma Barton, as Honey Mitchell, ran the London Marathon in character in honour of Lola after her death. His suspension comes after Wynne Evans last week said he had been dropped by the BBC, following an apology saying that he used "inappropriate language" during the launch of the Strictly Come Dancing tour. The Welsh opera singer, 53, known for the insurance advertisements, will no longer be a BBC Radio Wales presenter, he announced on May 30. Earlier this year, he apologised for language that he called "inappropriate and unacceptable" after The Mail On Sunday reported that Evans was heard making a remark to a woman in a video filmed during the Strictly launch event. It is understood he was given a warning over the remark by tour producers. In January, he said: "I've agreed with the BBC that I'll take some time out from my radio show and the Strictly Live tour, as well as my other public commitments, to prioritise my wellbeing. "I am deeply sorry for the pain my inappropriate actions have caused, and plan to take this time for self-reflection. "Apologies to those I won't get to see at the remaining performances and I'm grateful to my fellow tour gang for all the amazing support they have given me." The singer, who performed in the 25th anniversary of The Phantom Of The Opera and also won 2023's Celebrity MasterChef, told The Sun on Sunday earlier this month that the Strictly comment was not sexual or directed at one of the female cast but was a nickname for fellow contestant Borthwick. He told the paper: "I didn't see the statement, Old Spit-roast Boy was a nickname for Jamie Borthwick. I'm not a bad guy, I'm not a misogynist, I'm not any of these things." Evans added: "And so I went, 'I'm so sorry'. And that was taken as a formal apology, so the press team issued a statement. I didn't see it. "When I read the apology within the context of the story as it had been written, I was absolutely horrified." The Strictly tour saw contestants of the most recent series return to the dancefloor, including Love Island star Tasha Ghouri, actress Sarah Hadland, JLS singer JB Gill, The X Factor winner Shayne Ward and Gladiators star Montell Douglas. Article continues below They toured the country alongside Strictly judges Shirley Ballas, Anton Du Beke, Craig Revel Horwood and Motsi Mabuse, performing in cities including Birmingham, Sheffield, Newcastle, Liverpool, Leeds, Manchester and London.
Irish Independent
09-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
‘EastEnders' star suspended by BBC after using slur against disabled people on ‘Strictly' set
A video emerged of the actor, who plays Jay Brown on the soap, using the term to describe the people of Blackpool, the town where the show was being filmed. Borthwick is said to have made the offensive remark in a phone video while the Strictly cast were at Blackpool Tower Ballroom last November. A spokesperson for the BBC 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.' 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.' Borthwick won the Strictly 2023 Christmas special with Nancy Xu, and won the best actor gong at the Inside Soap Awards in September that year, with the show recognised with the best storyline for Loving And Losing Lola, about character Lola Pearce-Brown's brain tumour diagnosis.
