Lexi heartbroken as EastEnders iPlayer release issues major update on Jay's whereabouts

What's become of Jay?
Joel Harley
By Joel Harley

WARNING: This article contains spoilers for today’s episode of EastEnders, which is streaming now on BBC iPlayer, but has not yet aired on BBC One – in which news of Jay leaves Lexi heartbroken.

EastEnders shared a major update on ‘missing’ Jay today (Monday, December 22), as Lexi and the Mitchells gather to watch Nigel’s film at the community centre. With Callum and the family all showing up to support Lexi’s directorial debut, there’s a notable absence – one of her three dads, Jay.

But what’s Jay’s excuse for not showing up this time?

Lexi talks to Jay and Harvey on EastEnders
Callum broke the news to Lexi (Credit: BBC)

EastEnders reveals Jay Brown’s whereabouts as Lexi holds a film screening

As the story continues tonight, Lexi takes charge of the premiere of Nigel’s film. The residents of Walford are all excited to see the festive feature, but she’s disappointed when Callum tells her that Jay hasn’t made the trip back to Walford.

“Is Jay going to make tonight, it or what?” she asks Callum.

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“Well you know how he’s got this new girlfriend up north,” Callum replies. “And how she’s not got anyone, at this time, at Christmas…”

“Stupid Elena,” responds a dismayed Lexi. “Let me guess, he’s staying there for Christmas as well?”

So there we have it. Jay won’t be driving home for Christmas – he’s spending it with his new girlfriend, Elena.

Jay talking to Callum on EastEnders
Jay’s got a new woman in his life (Credit: BBC)

Where is Jay?

Following news that actor Jamie Borthwick had been axed from the soap following his recent Strictly scandal, Jay was quickly shuffled away, off-screen. Back in September, the soap revealed that he’d gone to stay with his sick granddad, Bert Atkinson.

“His granddad’s got sick so he’s had to go and see him,” Lauren told Peter in an episode on September 17.

Jay’s remained there ever since. And, with news of his new girlfriend, it seems as though this is the path EastEnders will be taking, where Jay’s exit is concerned.

Read more: Who’s leaving, joining and returning to EastEnders? Complete list of cast exits, arrivals and returns.