EastEnders fans are reeling after news broke that one of the soap’s most familiar faces, Jamie Borthwick, may be facing the end of his career on the show following a shocking scandal. The actor, who has played Jay Brown for 19 years, found himself at the center of controversy after being filmed using a derogatory term during his time on Strictly Come Dancing. Now, questions are being raised about whether his job at EastEnders is at risk.

The Scandal That Shocked Fans and Co-Stars

The scandal erupted when a video surfaced of Borthwick backstage at Strictly Come Dancing in 2023, where he was heard using an offensive slur to describe the people of Blackpool. The footage, taken during rehearsals, shows Borthwick laughing as he casually drops the term, and the video was subsequently leaked to a friend. The moment immediately caused a stir in the media, with many calling out the actor for using such derogatory language.

The BBC, which airs both Strictly and EastEnders, swiftly responded to the controversy. Borthwick was suspended while an investigation was launched into his actions. A spokesperson for the BBC made it clear that such language was unacceptable and that it did not align with the values and standards the network upholds. They also stressed that they had “robust processes in place” to handle such matters.

The Fallout for Jamie Borthwick’s EastEnders Role

While the immediate impact on filming schedules and re-writes seems to have been minimal, the future of Jamie Borthwick’s role as Jay Brown is now uncertain. Sources suggest that the actor’s long-standing tenure on the soap, playing a character beloved by fans, might not be enough to guarantee his continued place on the show. “Jamie is well thought of, but Jay hasn’t played a central role in the show for a while,” one source revealed. “He’s been more of a supporting character, and with the new boss in Ben Wadey just settling in, this scandal could put his future at EastEnders in serious jeopardy.”

Borthwick has only made around 30 appearances on screen since last summer, with his role in EastEnders shrinking as his Strictly commitments took precedence. The controversy surrounding his behavior may further diminish his chances of returning to a prominent role, especially as EastEnders has undergone significant changes behind the scenes with new leadership and fresh direction.

Borthwick’s Apology and Public Response

Following the release of the video, Borthwick issued a public apology, admitting that the language he used was wrong. In his statement, 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.” He expressed deep regret for the offense caused, admitting that he didn’t fully understand the derogatory term’s meaning at the time. “Now I am aware, I am deeply embarrassed to have used the term,” Borthwick added. “It was wrong, and I take full responsibility for my actions.”

Despite his apology, the damage to his reputation has already been done, and it’s unclear if it will be enough to save his job on the show. EastEnders fans are divided, with some expressing support for Borthwick’s apology and others questioning whether he should continue working with the soap.

What’s Next for Jay Brown and EastEnders?

As the investigation into Borthwick’s actions continues, EastEnders fans are left wondering what this means for Jay Brown’s future on the show. Will Borthwick’s exit be the end of Jay’s storyline, or will the actor be allowed to return after a period of reflection? With EastEnders now under new leadership, it’s possible that the show will take this opportunity to refresh its cast, leading to even more changes for the beloved soap.

Additionally, the controversy has raised questions about Strictly Come Dancing’s own culture, especially given the “Strictly Curse” that has often made headlines for its romantic entanglements. With this latest scandal, both EastEnders and Strictly are facing scrutiny over the actions of their stars.

The Future of EastEnders Under Ben Wadey’s Leadership

With a new boss at the helm, the question remains whether EastEnders will make bold moves in response to Borthwick’s actions. The soap has already seen significant changes, and this scandal could be the catalyst for even more shifts within the show. Fans are anxious to see how the leadership will handle the situation, and whether Borthwick’s exit will be part of a larger reshuffling of characters or just a temporary setback.