EastEnders Axes Jamie Borthwick After 19 Years Following Suspension

Jamie Borthwick, who has portrayed Jay Brown on BBC's EastEnders for 19 years, will not be returning to the soap following his suspension in June for using an offensive term to describe Blackpool residents while filming Strictly Come Dancing. BBC Studios confirmed his departure but declined to comment on individual matters. The actor issued a public apology, expressing regret for his words and stating he did not fully understand the derogatory term's meaning. Disability charity Scope urged Borthwick to reflect and educate himself on the realities of disabled people's lives. Fans expressed disappointment at the decision, noting the lack of good storylines for his character recently, while some speculated financial reasons behind his exit. Borthwick had previously won awards for his performance, including a British Soap Award and an Inside Soap Award.