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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.
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.
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.
Sharing a black-and-white snap of himself wearing a paper Christmas cracker hat and attempting a smile, he wrote: ‘Wishing everyone a merry Christmas and let’s hope for a slightly better 2026 for us all xx.’
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 Come Dancing last year.
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
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)
Despite rumours that Jamie would eventually return to Albert Square, BBC bosses decided to sack the disgraced actor from the show several weeks after his suspension.
In a statement earlier this year, a spokesperson for BBC Studios said: ‘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.
Daily Mail contacted a representative for Jamie and EastEnders.
Jamie issued an apology at the time, sharing that he did not fully understand the derogatory nature of the term he used but now that he is aware, he is ‘deeply embarrassed’.
He said: ‘I want to apologise sincerely and wholeheartedly for the words I used in the video showing my reaction to making it through Blackpool week on Strictly.
‘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.’
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)
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)
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)
At the height of the controversy, 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.’
It was the second Strictly-related controversy Jamie found himself in after he and Wynne were reportedly reprimanded by BBC bosses over a shocking sex toy video.
In footage obtained by The Sun on Sunday in April, the two stars were filmed backstage after the opera singer sent a sex toy to the EastEnders star.
Filmed just two days after Wynne was recorded making a vile sexual comment to Jamie about pro dancer Janette Manrara, the video sees Jamie claiming the toy was sent to Birmingham’s Utilita Arena reception by Wynne.
The actor smiles as he holds up the rubber toy, then points the camera at Wynne, who is seen shirtless as he practices with professional dancer Neil Jones.
Jamie says: ‘Look at what he bought me. I opened it up and he surprised me with this, didn’t he. It’s so funny.’
Jamie reportedly shared the offensive clip on the Strictly contestant WhatsApp group.
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