JAMIE Borthwick looked downcast as he was spotted for the first time today since being suspended from EastEnders.
The actor was under fire last night after it emerged he had used a sick disabled slur on the set of Strictly Come Dancing.
Jamie Borthwick looked downbeat as he was seen for the first time today since being suspended from the soap[/caption]
He was seen running errands near his home[/caption]
Jamie’s future on the soap is now hanging in the balance[/caption]
This afternoon Jamie appeared deep in thought as he ran errands near his home.
Sporting a green striped t-shirt, grey shorts and blue trainers, Jamie cut a casual figure as he made his way to his parked car.
An onlooker said: “He looked like a man with the weight of the world on his shoulders, which isn’t surprising given the hot water he is in right now.”
Jamie sent shockwaves behind the scenes at the BBC soap’s Elstree-based set last night when The Sun On Sunday revealed a video has emerged of him on the set of the dance show last year.
In it, he was seen using the term “m********s” to describe the people of Blackpool, the seaside town where the show was being filmed for its annual special.
Jamie, who plays Jay Brown in the soap — made the shameful remark while the Strictly cast were at the Blackpool Tower Ballroom last November.
The footage — which was sent to a pal — shows him backstage during rehearsals alongside co-star Wynne Evans, who was recently sacked by the BBC.
The pair were excited to learn they had been selected for the Strictly tour, which toured the country earlier this year.
Jamie is then seen laughing, before saying: “Blackpool by the way. Absolute m********s.”
The BBC immediately suspended him from the soap while they investigate the matter.
Last night, they said in a statement: “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.”
Jamie also issued a statement on his own.
He told The Sun on Sunday: “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.
Jamie has played Jay Brown in EastEnders since 2006.[/caption]
Jamie and Wynne Evans both appeared in the video[/caption]
“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 know they will be again for this year’s show and those in years to come. I am truly sorry.”
This isn’t the first time Jamie has got in trouble – back in April, he and Wynne were told off by BBC bosses over a video in which they showed off a sex toy.
Strictly films its annual special in the seaside town every November[/caption]
