**BBC Suspends “Strictly” Star Jamie Borthwick Over Offensive Comment**
Jamie Borthwick, a well-known face on British television through his lengthy tenure as Jay Brown on EastEnders, has been suspended by the BBC after reportedly making a derogatory comment regarding people with disabilities. The incident took place during the filming of a special Blackpool edition of “Strictly Come Dancing” in November 2024, raising questions around the broadcaster’s commitment to inclusivity and standards of public conduct.
The BBC confirmed the decision to suspend Borthwick, describing his remark as “entirely unacceptable”. In a statement, the corporation stressed that his language “in no way reflects the values or standards we hold and expect” from talent working with the broadcaster. While specifics of the incident have not been officially released, The Sun on Sunday first reported that the actor’s comment was aimed at disabled individuals, prompting an immediate backlash.
Borthwick, who has been a fixture on EastEnders since joining the soap in 2006, promptly issued a public apology. “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,” he stated. He went on to admit: “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.” His willingness to accept responsibility for his actions has been met with both support and criticism, highlighting the difficulty public figures face under the glare of intense scrutiny.
The charity Scope, which promotes equality for disabled people, responded to the controversy by urging Borthwick to critically assess his words and actions. Warren Kirwan, the charity’s media manager, encouraged the actor “to take the opportunity to get to know the reality of disabled people’s lives”. Scope’s reaction points to the broader conversation around disability awareness and representation in mainstream media.
Prior to the incident, Borthwick had enjoyed a successful run on “Strictly Come Dancing”, becoming a fan favourite when he was paired with professional dancer Michelle Tsiakkas. He had previously clinched the Christmas special in 2023 alongside Nancy Xu, achieving a perfect score for his energetic Quickstep and earning acclaim from both judges and viewers. Over his career, Borthwick has picked up multiple accolades, including a British Soap Award for best dramatic performance from a young actor, and an Inside Soap Award for best actor.
It is worth noting that the most recent “Strictly” season has not been free from controversy. Borthwick’s co-star, the Welsh opera singer Wynne Evans – well known for the Go.Compare adverts – apologised following separate allegations of “inappropriate language” during the launch events for the live tour. In a statement to his social media followers, Evans revealed he would not be returning to BBC Radio Wales, after the corporation decided not to renew his contract. “It breaks my heart to say the BBC has decided not to renew my contract so I won’t be returning to my radio show. I’m gutted,” Evans expressed, before announcing plans to launch his own daily show available on smart speakers.
The BBC’s response to these incidents illustrates the ongoing necessity for public-facing organisations to uphold high standards and act quickly when those standards are breached. As the broadcaster continues to investigate, conversations around language, inclusivity, and the responsibility of celebrities remain at the fore.
For now, Jamie Borthwick’s future at the BBC hangs in the balance, with many in the industry and the wider public keenly awaiting the outcome. This incident serves as a reminder that words carry significant weight, especially when uttered by those in the public eye, and it underscores the critical importance of ongoing education and awareness in both the entertainment industry and society at large.