The world of British television was rocked by controversy on June 7, 2025, when Jamie Borthwick, a long-standing star of the popular soap opera EastEnders, faced suspension from the BBC after using a derogatory term against disabled people while filming Strictly Come Dancing.
The incident, which occurred during the iconic Blackpool week at the Blackpool Tower Ballroom, has sparked widespread outrage, prompting debates about accountability, language, and the responsibilities of public figures in the entertainment industry.Borthwick, aged 30, who has portrayed Jay Brown on EastEnders since 2006, was recorded in a backstage video using the offensive term "m********s" to describe residents of Blackpool, a beloved seaside town that hosts Strictly's annual showcase.
The clip, reportedly sent to a friend, captured Borthwick laughing while expressing excitement about advancing to the Strictly nationwide tour alongside his co-star, opera singer Wynne Evans. The video's emergence led to swift condemnation from disability advocacy groups, local officials, and the public, with the BBC taking the unprecedented step of suspending the actor pending an internal investigation.The use of such language is particularly damaging given the context.
According to a 2023 report by the UK's Equality and Human Rights Commission, approximately 24% of adults in the UK—around 16 million people—live with a disability. Negative stereotypes and derogatory language, like the term used by Borthwick, contribute to systemic barriers, with 68% of disabled individuals reporting experiences of discrimination in public spaces, as noted in a 2024 Scope survey. Warren Kirwan, media manager at Scope, emphasized the broader impact, stating that such attitudes hinder disabled people's access to employment, social inclusion, and everyday activities like shopping.
The charity called for Borthwick to educate himself on the lived experiences of disabled individuals, urging him to use this moment as an opportunity for growth.The incident has also strained the BBC's relationship with Blackpool, a town that has hosted Strictly's Blackpool week since 2004, drawing millions of viewers annually. The event, often described as the "jewel in the crown" of the Strictly series, is a cultural highlight, with the Blackpool Tower Ballroom attracting over 500,000 tourists yearly, per Blackpool Council data.
Local Tory group leader Paul Galley expressed dismay, noting that the town's residents and visitors are its greatest asset. He condemned Borthwick's remark as "horrible," reflecting the community's shock and disappointment.Borthwick issued a public apology through The Sun on Sunday, expressing deep regret for his words and acknowledging his lack of understanding of the term's derogatory nature. "I am deeply embarrassed and sorry for the offense caused," he stated, emphasizing that his comment did not reflect his true views. He praised Blackpool's hospitality, noting the warm reception Strictly cast and crew receive annually.
However, the apology has done little to quell the backlash, with critics arguing that his position as a public figure amplifies the harm of such language.The BBC, known for its stringent standards, responded decisively. A spokesperson described the language as "entirely unacceptable" and highlighted the corporation's robust processes for addressing such incidents. The suspension, while disruptive to EastEnders' ongoing storylines, underscores the BBC's commitment to accountability. The soap, watched by an average of 4.5 million viewers per episode in 2024 (BARB data), faces challenges in maintaining continuity, particularly as Borthwick's character, Jay Brown, is involved in a storyline with Honey Mitchell, whose daughter has Down's syndrome—a detail that adds a layer of irony to the controversy.This is not Borthwick's first brush with controversy. In April 2025, The Sun on Sunday reported that he and Wynne Evans were reprimanded by BBC bosses for sharing an inappropriate joke about a sex toy during the Strictly tour in Birmingham. Additionally, Borthwick faced personal allegations of infidelity, further tarnishing his public image.
These incidents paint a picture of a young actor navigating the pressures of fame, with his career now at a critical juncture. The Strictly tour, which generates over £10 million in ticket sales annually (industry estimates), is a lucrative opportunity, and Borthwick's suspension could jeopardize his future involvement.The broader context of Strictly Come Dancing adds complexity to the situation. The show, a cornerstone of British entertainment with a peak viewership of 10.2 million in 2023 (BARB), has faced scrutiny in recent years over cast and crew conduct. Wynne Evans, Borthwick's co-star in the video, was removed from the Strictly tour in January 2025 following allegations of an inappropriate sexual comment, and his BBC Radio Wales contract was not renewed after a four-month investigation. These incidents highlight the challenges of maintaining professionalism in a high-pressure, public-facing environment.The fallout from Borthwick's actions extends beyond the BBC.
Disability advocacy groups are using the incident to call for greater education and awareness. Scope's 2024 campaign, "Change the Narrative," emphasizes the need for media figures to model inclusive language, noting that 73% of disabled people feel misrepresented in television and film. The controversy also raises questions about the entertainment industry's role in shaping public perceptions, particularly as EastEnders has been praised for its portrayal of diverse characters, including those with disabilities.As the BBC conducts its investigation, Borthwick's future remains uncertain. His Strictly performance, a jive to The Ketchup Song with professional dancer Michelle Tsiakkas, was well-received, earning praise from fans and judges. However, the scandal threatens to overshadow his accomplishments. The incident serves as a reminder of the power of words and the responsibility that comes with a public platform. For Blackpool, the Strictly community, and viewers nationwide, the hope is that this moment sparks meaningful dialogue and change, ensuring that entertainment remains a space for inclusion and respect
