“A Quiet Christmas, A Broken Smile…” Former EastEnders star Jamie Borthwick shares downcast festive selfie after being axed from the soap following Strictly suspension

Former EastEnders star Jamie Borthwick appeared downcast in a Christmas selfie shared with his Instagram followers this week, just months after he was axed from the BBC soap

Jamie Borthwick has made a rare and poignant return to social media, sharing a subdued Christmas selfie just months after being removed from EastEnders.

The actor, 31, who played Jay Brown for almost two decades, was axed from the show in September after being suspended for using a disabled slur (pictured on the soap in 2023)

The 31-year-old actor, who played Jay Brown for nearly two decades, appeared downcast in a black-and-white photo posted to Instagram, wearing a paper Christmas cracker hat and forcing a small smile.

Since then, Jamie has remained largely absent from social media, but took to the platform over the festive period to wish fans a Merry Christmas (pictured in June)

“Wishing everyone a merry Christmas and let’s hope for a slightly better 2026 for us all xx,” he wrote.

It comes after Jamie was suspended from the soap earlier this year when a video of the incident was publicly shared. The star was filmed using the term ‘m********s’ during his time on Strictly last year (pictured with pro Michelle Tsiakkas on Strictly)

Jamie was suspended earlier this year after a video emerged showing him using a disabled slur during his time on Strictly Come Dancing in 2024. Although rumours suggested he might one day return to Albert Square, BBC bosses confirmed in September that he had been formally axed from the soap.

A BBC Studios spokesperson said at the time:
“We can confirm that Jamie Borthwick will not be returning to EastEnders. We do not comment on individual matters.”

He was reportedly backstage during rehearsals with Wynne Evans, who could be heard saying ‘Oh my God’ when he made the remark (both pictured 2024)

The incident reportedly occurred backstage during rehearsals with Wynne Evans, who was heard reacting with shock when the remark was made.

Jamie later issued a public apology, admitting he did not fully understand the offensive nature of the term he used.
“I want to apologise sincerely and wholeheartedly,” he said. “I am deeply sorry for any offence and upset my words and actions have caused. I did not fully understand the derogatory term I used and its meaning.”

Since the controversy, Jamie has kept a low profile online, making his Christmas message the first sign of life from the former soap star in months.

The Strictly row was not the only storm he found himself in. Earlier in the year, he and Wynne were also reportedly reprimanded by BBC bosses over another backstage video, in which Wynne had sent him a sex toy.

Footage obtained by The Sun on Sunday showed Jamie holding the rubber item and joking about it before turning the camera towards a shirtless Wynne, who was practising with professional dancer Neil Jones.

The clip, filmed shortly after Wynne was recorded making a crude sexual remark about dancer Janette Manrara, was allegedly shared by Jamie in the Strictly contestants’ WhatsApp group.

At the height of the scandal, the BBC 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.”

Now, as Christmas fades and a new year approaches, Jamie’s somber festive selfie has left fans wondering whether 2026 will truly offer the fresh start he so clearly hopes for.