EastEnders star suspended over ‘unacceptable’ language

EastEnders star Jamie Borthwick has been suspended by the BBC after using a slur against people with disabilities on the set of Strictly Come Dancing.

The offensive remark was made last November during filming for the BBC dance show’s flagship Blackpool week, the Sun on Sunday reported.

The BBC said his language was “entirely unacceptable and in no way reflects the values or standards we hold and expect”.

The newspaper said that Borthwick, who plays Jay Brown – a key long-running character on the soap – apologised for “any offence and upset”.

BBC News has approached his representatives for a comment.

Disability charity Scope said Borthwick should reflect on what he said and educate himself.

“We hope he takes the opportunity to get to know the reality of disabled people’s lives,” said the organisation’s media manager Warren Kirwan.

Borthwick has been on EastEnders since 2006.

The 30-year-old took part in the latest series of Strictly, where he was paired with professional dancer Michelle Tsiakkas.