EastEnders star Jamie Borthwick has been seen for the first time since he was suspended by the BBC after using a disabled slur while filming Strictly Come Dancing
Jamie Borthwick, the EastEnders actor, has been spotted for the first time since his suspension from the BBC following his use of a disabled slur on the Strictly Come Dancing set. The 30-year-old, known for portraying Jay Brown in the soap, reportedly made the offensive comment during the show’s stint at Blackpool Tower Ballroom last November.
Allegedly, Borthwick was caught on camera using the derogatory term about Blackpool locals while filming the special live episode of Strictly. The footage is believed to have been shared with a friend.
In response to the incident, Borthwick has offered a heartfelt 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. I am deeply sorry for any offence and upset my words and actions have caused.”
He admitted his ignorance of the term’s full implications: “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.”
Despite his apology, the BBC proceeded with his suspension, citing their commitment to high standards. A spokesperson for the broadcaster stated: “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,” reports the Mirror.
Warren Kirwan, media manager at disability equality charity Scope, condemned the offensive remarks, stating: “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.”
Emerging for the first time since his suspension news broke, Jamie was seen looking rather glum as he went about his business near his residence today. Snapped by The Sun, the celeb was dressed casually in a blue and green striped T-shirt, grey shorts and trainers while heading to his motor.
A bystander remarked: “He looked like a man with the weight of the world on his shoulders, which isn’t surprising given the hot water he is in right now.”
This isn’t Jamie’s first brush with controversy on Strictly either. Reports have surfaced of him waving around a sex toy sent by fellow star Wynne Evans, the Go Compare opera singer, who’s also been catching flak for his antics on the dance show.
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It is alleged that the video was shared by Wynne with a group of Strictly stars, who were not anticipating nor wanted to receive a message of that nature. The video was reportedly recorded just two days after Wynne was heard making a suggestive remark regarding professional dancer Janette Manrara.
As a result, Wynne, who had been working as a presenter for BBC Radio Wales, was let go by the BBC after apologizing for using “inappropriate language” during the launch of the Strictly Come Dancing tour.
Wynne, who won Celebrity MasterChef in 2023 and appeared in the 25th anniversary production of The Phantom Of The Opera, revealed to The Sun on Sunday earlier this month that the Strictly remark was meant as a nickname for a fellow participant, Jamie, rather than a lewd comment.
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Wynne 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. 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.”
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
