Why is Jamie Borthwick suspended by BBC? Drama explained

Award-winning English actor Jamie Borthwick has been suspended by the BBC after a clip of him using a disabled slur emerged. Borthwick is a long-time character on the BBC's EastEnders, where he played the role of Jay Brown. He has been a part of the show for almost two decades, joining the cast back in 2006. The video of Borthwick using a slur was recorded on a phone when he was on the set of Strictly Come Dancing.

Jamie Borthwick competed on the dancing reality show twice, once in 2023 and the following year. In 2023, he was paired with professional dancer Nancy Xu, and in 2024, he danced with Michelle Tsiakkas, another professional dancer.

This video clip of Jamie Borthwick was from when he was on the set of Strictly Come Dancing last year in November. He used the word "m********s" to describe the residents of Blackpool, the town where they were filming the dancing reality show. This was during his second time on the show (2024), while the cast were at the Blackpool Tower Ballroom.

Jamie Borthwick issues a public apology for using a disabled slur

The EastEnders star was suspended by the broadcasting channel for using a derogatory term. A BBC spokesperson addressed the issue by providing a statement. They 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, a Media Manager at Scope, an organization that promotes disability, also 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."

He added that he hopes the actor is willing to work on his ignorant comment by educating himself regarding disabled people. He said:

"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."

Jamie Borthwick has expressed remorse regarding his comment on the residents of Blackpool. He issued a public apology via The Sun on Sunday, he said:

"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. 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 went on to say:

"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."

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Jamie Borthwick's video from his time on Strictly Come Dancing resurfaced and resulted in enormous backlash against the EastEnders actor. This resulted in him getting banned by the BBC. However, the actor has owned up to his actions and apologized to the people of Blackpool, as well as the disabled population, for using the offensive slur.

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