Overview

• BBC Studios said this week that Jamie Borthwick will not be returning to EastEnders, declining to comment further on the decision.
• The actor had been suspended earlier this year after using a derogatory term about disabled people in a backstage clip during Strictly Come Dancing’s Blackpool filming.
• The BBC previously called the language “entirely unacceptable” and said it has robust processes for handling such matters.
• Borthwick issued a public apology, saying he was deeply sorry and that he had not fully understood the term’s meaning at the time.
• On ITV’s This Morning, soap correspondent and scriptwriter Sharon Marshall praised Borthwick’s talent, while separate coverage noted a small fan petition for his reinstatement and continued advocacy for formal awareness training.