EastEnders has referenced Jay Brown’s departure, following Jamie Borthwick’s axing from the show.
In Wednesday’s (17 September) episode, which is already available to stream on BBC iPlayer, Lauren told Peter that she was working alone at the car dealership after Jay was forced to leave Albert Square. “Jay, his grandpa’s sick, so he’s had to go and see him,” the character said.
A line which was included to explain actor Jamie Borthwick’s initial suspension in June. It’s unknown how EastEnders will orchestrate a permanent exit for the character.
Earlier this year, the soap decided to suspend Borthwick after the actor was heard using a slur on the set of Strictly Come Dancing in 2024. When a video resurfaced from last year’s rehearsals, which included audio of Borthwick using an ableist term to describe the people of Blackpool, the BBC was forced to take action.
Releasing a statement, a spokesperson 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.”
In response, Borthwick issued a public apology via The Sun on Sunday. “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 said in June.
“Now I am aware, I am deeply embarrassed to have used the term and directed it in the way I did. It was wrong. 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.”
After a three-month suspension, Borthwick was ultimately axed from EastEnders in September, with BBC Studios confirming the news to Digital Spy in a statement. “We can confirm that Jamie Borthwick will not be returning to EastEnders,” it said. “We do not comment on individual matters.”
EastEnders airs on Mondays-Thursdays at 7.30pm on BBC One. The show also streams on BBC iPlayer, where most episodes drop early at 6am ahead of their TV broadcast.
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