Former EastEnders actor Jamie Borthwick has shared a poignant Christmas message with his followers, expressing his feelings following his departure from the long-running BBC soap. The 31-year-old has faced a challenging year, highlighted by his exit from the show after nearly two decades.
Borthwick, who portrayed Jay Brown since 2006, was suspended from the series after an incident during filming for Strictly Come Dancing in Blackpool. He was recorded using a severely derogatory term that sparked outrage and was described by the BBC as “entirely unacceptable.” Following the suspension, Borthwick was informed of his termination in September 2023, just days before the news became public.
Reflecting on a Year of Challenges
In a rare social media post, Borthwick shared a black-and-white image of himself looking somber while wearing a paper Christmas hat. Accompanying the photo on Instagram, he wrote: “Wishing everybody a very merry Christmas and let’s hope for a slightly better 2026 for us all xx,” adding both a peering face emoji and a giggling face emoji.
Despite the seemingly light-hearted message, the actor’s demeanor has suggested a struggle to cope with the fallout from his actions. Following his suspension, Borthwick largely withdrew from social media, a stark contrast to his previous online presence. His termination was confirmed by BBC Studios, which stated, “We do not comment on individual matters,” reflecting the seriousness of the situation.
Consequences and Reflections
The incident that led to Borthwick’s suspension involved a video recording in which he used an offensive term while discussing local residents in Blackpool. The BBC addressed the issue by emphasizing that such language does not align with the values they uphold. They reiterated their stance that inappropriate behaviour would not be tolerated.
“We are very clear on our expectations that inappropriate behaviour and language will not be tolerated,” a BBC spokesperson stated.
In response to the controversy, the disability charity Scope urged Borthwick to reflect on his words and to educate himself on the realities faced by disabled individuals. They expressed hope that he would take this opportunity to understand the impact of his language.
In June 2023, Borthwick publicly apologized, saying, “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. Now I am aware, I am deeply embarrassed to have used the term and directed it in the way I did. It was wrong.”
The year has been a tumultuous one for Borthwick, marked by significant professional setbacks and personal reflection. His Christmas message may indicate a desire to move forward, despite the challenges he continues to face.
