BBC/ITV/Composite: EastEnders Insider Share By Joel Harley Sep 8 2025 By Joel Harley Sep 8 2025 How Jay Brown will exit soap as BBC confirms star Jamie Borthwick has been axed The star won't return to EastEnders after all Jamie Borthwick Jay Brown Share By Joel Harley Sep 8 2025 By Joel Harley Sep 8 2025 The media have reported this weekend that the BBC has axed EastEnders star Jamie Borthwick from the soap. The broadcaster recently suspended the actor, who plays Jay Brown, after he was at the heart of a scandal during his stint on Strictly Come Dancing. Jamie joined the soap in 2006, aged 12 years old. Since then, he has grown up on Albert Square, finding a family unit in the Mitchells, and a daughter in Lexi, who he shared with late wife Lola Brown. Last year, he took a break from filming to appear on Strictly. A recording subsequently emerged of him using a slur against disabled people while at a Strictly live event. Following three months’ suspension, it was reported that Jamie would resume filming duties on the soap. However, this appears to no longer be the case. But what does this mean for his character, Jay Brown? Jamie played local car dealer Jay Brown (Credit: BBC). BBC confirms Jamie Borthwick ‘axed’ from EastEnders In reference to the news, a spokesperson told The Sun: “We can confirm that Jamie Borthwick will not be returning to EastEnders. We do not comment on individual matters.” Article continues below Read all the latest spoilers This leaves the character of Jay Brown up in the air. Jamie will not be returning to the soap to film his final scenes. As such, Jay’s exit from Walford will likely occur off-air – unless the soap makes the decision to recast the role. The soap has yet to announce whether it will kill Jay off, or if the character will exit of his own volition. Jamie’s exit follows his 2024 Strictly stint (Credit: BBC) Jamie Borthwick Strictly Scandal explained In a clip obtained by The Sun on Sunday earlier this year, the actor appeared to describe the people of Blackpool as ‘absolute m*****s.’ In his original statement regarding the incident, Jamie 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 continued: “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.” A spokesperson for the BBC also told the tabloid: “Whilst we do not comment on any individual matter, each case is always considered on its own facts. We are very clear on our expectations that inappropriate behaviour and language will not be tolerated.” Read more: Who’s leaving, joining and returning to EastEnders? Complete list of cast exits, arrivals and returns. Share Good to Know Share By Joel Harley Sep 8 2025 By Joel Harley Sep 8 2025
