EastEnders Star Suspended By BBC Over 'Unacceptable' Language On Strictly Come Dancing Set

Jamie Borthwick in character as Jay Brown in EastEndersEastEnders actor Jamie Borthwick has been suspended from the soap after it emerged he once used an ableist slur while filming Strictly Come Dancing last year.Over the weekend, The Sun On Sunday reported that Jamie – who has played Jay Brown in the BBC series for almost 20 years – had used an “unacceptable” term while filming in Blackpool back in November.The tabloid reported the soap actor used the term to refer to the people of Blackpool in a video with fellow cast member Wynne Evans, leading to Jamie’s suspension.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.”Jamie said in a statement to The Sun On Sunday: “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.“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.”Michelle Tsiakkas and Jamie Borthwick performing live in Blackpool last yearHe insisted: “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.”Last week, Wynne Evans claimed that the BBC had opted not to renew his radio contract, after he was also embroiled in controversy during the most recent Strictly live tour.The Welsh performer bowed out of the tour early when he was caught on camera making a sexualised joke towards Jamie, which appeared to be about host Janette Manrara, though he has since insisted was actually a reference to a private nickname he had for the EastEnders actor.MORE STRICTLY:Strictly Pro Katya Jones Voices Support For Wynne Evans Amid Backlash Over Sexual JokeStrictly's Craig Revel Horwood Fires Back At Former Pro Claiming He Should Be ReplacedStrictly Come Dancing Professional Nadiya Bychkova Opens Up About Kai Widdrington Split

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