Overview
- In the September 17 episode, Lauren Branning tells Peter Beale that Jay is away because his grandfather is ill.
- BBC Studios confirmed earlier this month that Jamie Borthwick will not be returning to EastEnders and declined to comment further.
- Viewers criticised the throwaway nature of the explanation on social media, noting Jay’s long tenure on the show.
- Disability charity Scope reiterated calls for awareness training in response to the slur that led to his June suspension.
- Coverage noted the soap chose a brief on-screen mention rather than a full exit storyline for the long-running character.