Is Jamie Borthwick leaving EastEnders? All we know amid Strictly scandal

The star appears as Jay Brown in tonight's episode
Joel Harley

Jamie Borthwick returned to screens on EastEnders tonight (Wednesday, July 9), popping up as Jay Brown gave pal Peter Beale a guitar lesson – but is he leaving the soap?

Jamie’s scenes came as Peter happened across Jay’s performance while walking a crying Jimmy down the street. Learning that the baby was comforted by the sound of music, Peter resolved to learn how to play guitar for himself.

However, some may have been surprised to see Jay in tonight’s episode, following recent news that the actor has been suspended following his recent Strictly scandal.

Peter plays guitar on EastEnders while Jay brown looks on
Jay gave Peter a guitar lesson (Credit: BBC)

Why was Jamie Borthwick suspended from Strictly?

Actor Jamie made headlines last month after reports emerged that he had been suspended from EastEnders. Jamie found himself in hot water when a video was said to have emerged featuring footage of him using a slur against disabled people while on the Strictly set.

The alleged incident happened when the cast and crew of Strictly were at the Blackpool Tower Ballroom last November for the live show.

In the clip, Jamie can reportedly be seen with co-star Wynne Evans (no stranger to controversy himself), sharing their excitement after being told that they’d been selected for the Strictly tour. Jamie is then apparently heard to make a slur against disabled people.

Jamie Borthwick with Michelle Tsiakkas on Strictly
Jamie appeared on Strictly in 2024 (Credit: BBC)

Is Jamie Borthwick leaving EastEnders?

In response to the footage, the BBC 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.”

A source told The Sun: “No matter how tricky this is for EastEnders’ continuity and plotlines, Jamie has been suspended. It beggars belief he could say something like this.”

The tabloid quotes Jamie as saying:  “I accept the karma that has come my way due to some bad choices.” Jamie was previously in trouble after a video of him brandishing a sex toy backstage on the tour also emerged.

According to the publication, it’s also ‘not clear’ whether Jamie will ever return, following his suspension. As such, his scenes in tonight’s episode would have been filmed prior to the scandal.

Jay contacts Nigel's wife Julie in EastEnders
Julie arrives in Walford after getting a call from Jay (Credit: BBC)

Jay tracks down Julie in EastEnders next week

This week’s scenes won’t be the last we see of Jay either. According to next week’s spoilers, he takes matters into his own hands after growing worried about Nigel.

Tracking down Julie, he decides to call Nigel’s wife to let her know where she is. He also becomes embroiled in Mitchell family drama when Phil catches Callum with Johnny. With Phil raging, Jay attempts to defuse the situation between Jay and Phil.

It remains to be seen when Jamie’s final scenes before his suspension will air.

Read more: Who’s leaving, joining and returning to EastEnders?