Getty PicturesEastEnders star Jamie Borthwick has been suspended by the BBC after utilizing a slur in opposition to folks with disabilities on the set of Strictly Come Dancing.
The offensive comment was made final November throughout filming for the BBC dance present’s flagship Blackpool week, the Solar on Sunday reported.
The BBC stated his language was “entirely unacceptable and in no way reflects the values or standards we hold and expect”.
The newspaper stated that Borthwick, who performs Jay Brown – a key long-running character on the cleaning soap – apologised for “any offence and upset”.
BBC Information has approached his representatives for a remark.
Incapacity charity Scope stated Borthwick ought to replicate on what he stated and educate himself.
“We hope he takes the opportunity to get to know the reality of disabled people’s lives,” said the organisation’s media manager Warren Kirwan.
‘Deeply embarrassed’
Borthwick is said to have made the offensive remark on a phone video while backstage during rehearsals at the Blackpool Tower Ballroom.
He reportedly used the term to describe the people of the seaside town.
In his statement to the Sun on Sunday, Borthwick said: “I need to apologise sincerely and wholeheartedly for the phrases I used within the video displaying my response to creating it by way of Blackpool week on Strictly.”
He added: “It is no excuse, but I did not fully understand the derogatory term I used and its meaning.
“That’s on me fully.
“Now I am aware, I am deeply embarrassed to have used the term and directed it in the way I did.”
Getty PicturesBorthwick rose to fame for his portrayal of Jay Brown (beforehand Mitchell) in BBC cleaning soap EastEnders.
He has starred in it since 2006, making him one of many longest-serving actors on the present.
He has received a British Cleaning soap Award for finest dramatic efficiency from a younger actor, and an Inside Cleaning soap Award for finest actor.
The 30-year-old took half within the newest collection of Strictly, the place he was paired with skilled dancer Michelle Tsiakkas.
It marked a return to the ballroom for him, after he received the 2023 Christmas particular.
He made it by way of to Blackpool week – seen as a key milestone within the contest – however was voted off later in November, making him the ninth superstar to go away the present.
His offensive comment is the newest controversy to hit Strictly, which celebrated its twentieth anniversary final yr.
Final month, former contestant and radio host Wynne Evans introduced he was leaving his BBC Radio Wales present after the broadcaster “decided not to renew” his contract.
He had been taking day without work his daytime present after apologising for making what he described as an “inappropriate and unacceptable” remark in the course of the Strictly dwell tour launch in December.
