Jamie Borthwick apologised after he was suspended by bosses after making a cruel and sick joke towards Blackpool locals while on the set of the much-loved longtime BBC soap
One of EastEnders ‘ most beloved actors has been suspended after using a disabled slur on set.
Jamie Borthwick, 30, is best known for his role as Jay Slater on the BBC soap, going through a heart-wrenching terminal cancer storyline with on-screen partner Lola. He is also known for competing in last year’s edition of Strictly Come Dancing, where he appeared to defy a “sex ban” put in place by bosses.
However, now the actor has been forced to apologise after it was revealed that while on the set of Strictly Come Dancing, the star had used an ableist slur. He had said the vile word to describe locals whilst the show was in Blackpool, a staple of the competition.
During the incident, the soapstar is believed to have used the term “m********s” to describe the people of Blackpool. A video of this was later sent to the BBC, who have since suspended Jamie from the show.
In a statement issued to the Sun on Sunday, Jamie apologised for using the phrase, writing: “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” he added. “Now I am aware, I am deeply embarrassed to have used the term and directed it in the way I did.”
Speaking to the newspaper, disability charity Scope blasted the remarks, saying they were “ignorant and hurtful”, insisting that language such as what was uttered is “never acceptable”. Similarly, Blackpool Council’s Tory leader hit out at the remarks, joining in the condemnation of what the actor said.
It is believed the footage was recorded while Jamie had been at the Blackpool Tower Ballroom rehearsing ahead that weekend’s show last November. The actor had been beaming with pride after he and co-star Wynne Evans were told they would be performing on the Strictly tour – which ran throughout the UK earlier this year.
This is not the first time that the star has been pulled up by BBC bosses in recent months. Back in April, Jamie and opera singer Wynne were blasted by producers after they shared a joke regarding an adult toy video during the Birmingham stop of the Strictly tour.
During his time on the show, Jamie competing together with professional partner Michelle Tsiakkas, with the pair being praised highly for their routine in Blackpool. Fighting for their spot in the competition, the couple performed the jive to The Ketchup Song (Asereje) by Las Ketchup during the live show on November 16, to rave reviews.
In a statement, the BBC told the Daily Star: “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.”
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
