The actor joined EastEnders at 12 years old(Image: BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron)

EastEnders fans said they ‘can’t believe it’ as Jay Brown’s exit was explained after actor Jamie Borthwick was axed from the programme.

It was announced earlier in the month that Jamie would not be returning to the BBC soap after 19 years in the role of Jay.

The character is best known for his romance with Danielle Harold’s Lola Pearse, who died of cancer in heartbreaking scenes in 2023.

Back in June, 31-year-old Jamie was suspended from his EastEnders for three months for using a disability slur.

The incident occurred when Jamie described the people of Blackpool as ‘absolute m*********’, while there for the 2024 Strictly Come Dancing live show, having competed on the series alongside Jowita Przystał last year.

Despite plans for Jamie to return to the soap following the suspension, it was confirmed that his days on the show are over.

In a statement, a spokesperson for BBC Studios said: “We can confirm that Jamie Borthwick will not be returning to EastEnders. We do not comment on individual matters.”

Apologising for the incident in July, Jamie said: “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. Now I am aware, I am deeply embarrassed to have used the term and directed it in the way I did. It was wrong.

Jay Brown’s exit has been exlained(Image: BBC)

“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.

“I enjoyed every minute of my time in the Blackpool Tower Ballroom and the town itself. The people of Blackpool have always been amazing with the Strictly crew, dancers and cast members. I know they will be again for this year’s show and those in years to come. I am truly sorry.”

Jay was last spotted in Walford on Monday, September 8, when he stopped in the middle of the market to tie his 13-year-old stepdaughter Lexi Pearce’s shoelaces.

Not seen since then, scenes aired on Wednesday night (September 17) addressed where Jay is likely to remain following Jamie’s dismissal.

Planning for their son Louis’ birthday present, Lauren Branning told her fiancée Peter Beale that she was left to her own devices to sort out Louis’ gift.

“I’m here on my own ain’t I? Jay, his grandad got sick so he’s had to go and see him,” she stated.

With Jay off at his grandad’s for the foreseeable future, it appears unlikely that there will be any other mention of him in the coming episodes.

Those watching the episode at home took to social media to have their say on what they made of Jay being abruptly written off.

@bucksglow said on X: “So that’s how they’ve written Jay out then #eastenders.” @cgre added: “Omg I don’t even clock this was them explaining why Jay isn’t around, since his exit was so abrupt #EastEnders.”

@PatricktheB wrote: “Could be the last ever mention of a character who almost lasted two decades.” @Brave_Visual_2132 stated on Reddit: “I can’t believe we just got a throwaway line that jays with his grandad and we aren’t even gonna get a proper ending scene, doubt they gonna replace his actor but wouldn’t be surprised either if they did.”

@NefariousnessKey6309 commented: “Well, Jay has officially left the square for good it seems. How long will they keep up the ‘his Grandad is ill’?” @Supernovacaine3 posted: “Whoever it was who suggested Jay’s exit should be tied to his grandfather in another thread here a few weeks back really nailed it. Glad they’ve chosen that direction with the character instead of something else silly or unexplained.”