EastEnders fans livid as they 'work out' reason Jamie Borthwick was axed

EastEnders fans believe they've worked out why Jamie Borthwick was axed. The Mirror today confirmed that the actor, who's been on the show for 19 years, won't be returning.

Jamie, 31, has played Jay Brown since 2006, making him one of the longest-serving cast members. The actor, however, was suspended just months ago for using an offensive term whilst on Strictly Come Dancing last year, but was rumoured to be returning to work on the soap this month.

We revealed earlier today that Jamie won't be returning to EastEnders, though, with BBC Studios confirming his departure in a statement. We revealed that he was only told about the decision in recent days.

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Fans have since reacted to the news of his departure. One person wrote on Facebook: "Probably used as an excuse to cut the wage bill." Another person reacted: "Think he wanted to go, bored, no screen time playing an Undertaker."

One person commented: "What a shame. Although Jay not had any good storylines for ages. Another fan shared the sentiment, writing in their response to the news this weekend: "Oh no not Jay. He just needs a good story. We love Jay."

Whilst another viewer said: "Sorry Jamie! You were such a good actor, particularly in the Lola/Lexi scenes." Another fan described it as an "outrageous decision". Someone else said: "Shame he had to go, I really liked him in EastEnders."

Sharing their thoughts, one person wrote: "He will get a job on Channel 4 now." Someone else said: "Maybe land up on Hollyoaks." Whilst one fan wrote: "Another mistake by the BBC. Hopefully Jamie will go to more on other channels."

Jamie's departure was confirmed in a statement from BBC Studios, which makes the soap. They told the Mirror: "We can confirm that Jamie Borthwick will not be returning to EastEnders. We do not comment on individual matters."

It comes after he was suspended in June for using an offensive term for people with disabilities to describe residents of Blackpool whilst filming Strictly in the town. The BBC said at the time that his language, said to have been caught in a video on a phone, was "entirely unacceptable and in no way reflects the values or standards we hold and expect".

Jamie apologised at the time after making the slur. He said: "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.

"When I made the video, I was excited and caught up in the moment. Again, that is no excuse. But my regrettable actions are not a true reflection of my views, or who I am. 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 am truly sorry."

Jamie sparked criticism over the situation, including from the disability charity Scope. Following the news of his suspension, the charity said on X: "Attitudes and language like this are never acceptable. We're pleased to see that the team at the BBC have taken this incident so seriously. We hope Mr Borthwick takes this opportunity to get to know the reality of disabled people's lives."

He was reportedly due to return to the set this month to resume filming following the suspection. The BBC however did not comment on the speculation about the actor's potential return. The BBC instead had said in a statement last month that "each case is always considered on its own facts". It added: "We are very clear on our expectations that inappropriate behaviour and language will not be tolerated."

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