Jamie Borthwick, the actor who played Jay Brown on EastEnders for nearly two decades, was let go from the BBC soap in September 2025. His departure followed a suspension related to language he used during the 2023 series of Strictly Come Dancing. The news ended a 19-year run that began when he was a child.
Borthwick joined the cast in December 2006 at age 12 and grew into one of the show’s most recognised faces. His character, Jay Brown, was central to numerous storylines, including grief, adoption, and family conflict. The BBC confirmed his exit in a brief statement, marking the close of a significant chapter in the soap’s recent history.
The decision generated widespread discussion among fans, many of whom had watched Borthwick develop from a teenager into a leading adult performer. While the immediate cause of his departure was reported, some details about the final months of his tenure remain unclear. This article lays out the verified facts, the timeline of events, and what is known about his next steps.
Who Is Jamie Borthwick? Biography and Background
Jamie Simon Borthwick was born on 23 June 1994 in Barking, London, England. He is best known for his long-running role as Jay Brown on EastEnders, a part he played from 2006 until 2025. He began acting professionally at a young age and became one of the few soap actors to portray the same character for nearly two decades without a recast.
The following overview grid summarises the essential biographical and career details for Jamie Borthwick as of September 2025.
Jamie Simon Borthwick
23 June 1994 (age 31)
Barking, London, England
Playing Jay Brown in EastEnders (2006–2025)
Axed from EastEnders in September 2025
@jamie_b10 (359K followers)
Key insights about Jamie Borthwick
- Jamie Borthwick is best known for playing Jay Brown on EastEnders for 19 years.
- He was reportedly axed from the show in September 2025, a major news story.
- He is a lifelong West Ham United fan and has appeared on fan podcasts.
- His Instagram account (@jamie_b10) has over 359,000 followers.
- He was born in Barking, London, and began acting at a young age.
- He won a British Soap Award for best dramatic performance by a young actor and an Inside Soap Award for best actor.
Jamie Borthwick: Key Facts at a Glance
| Fact | Value |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Jamie Simon Borthwick |
| Date of Birth | 23 June 1994 |
| Age (2025) | 31 years old |
| Birthplace | Barking, London, England |
| Known For | Playing Jay Brown in EastEnders |
| Years on EastEnders | 2006–2025 (19 years) |
| Status | Axed from EastEnders in September 2025 |
| Instagram Followers | 359,000+ |
Why Was Jamie Borthwick Axed from EastEnders?
The BBC confirmed in September 2025 that Jamie Borthwick would not be returning to EastEnders. The decision followed a suspension in June 2025 after he used discriminatory language toward people with disabilities during the 2023 Strictly Come Dancing 20th-anniversary series. A spokesperson for BBC Studios stated: “We can confirm that Jamie Borthwick will not be returning to EastEnders. We do not comment on individual matters.”
What happened during Strictly Come Dancing?
Borthwick competed on the 2023 series of Strictly Come Dancing, partnering with professional dancer Michelle Tsiakkas. He won the 2023 Christmas special and advanced to Blackpool week before being eliminated as the ninth celebrity. During the series, he used language that the BBC later described as “entirely unacceptable.” Borthwick issued an apology, stating he “did not fully understand the derogatory term” and was “deeply embarrassed.”
What was the response from the BBC and disability charities?
The BBC suspended Borthwick in June 2025. Although he was initially expected to resume filming later that month, the corporation ultimately decided in September 2025 that he would not return. Disability charity Scope emphasised the need for reflection and education regarding his remarks, according to BBC News.
While the suspension was the confirmed cause of his exit, some fans on social media speculated that other undisclosed factors may have influenced the final decision. The BBC did not confirm any additional reasons, and the official statement declined to comment on individual matters. Unverified speculation should be treated with caution.
How did Jay Brown’s character leave the show?
According to available reports, Jay Brown’s exit was not accompanied by a major on-screen finale. The character simply ceased to appear after the actor’s contract was terminated. The show has announced the full-time return of Max Branning, played by Jake Wood, but the timing of that return in relation to Borthwick’s departure has not been detailed.
What Is Jamie Borthwick Doing Now? Career and Future Plans
Following his departure from EastEnders, Jamie Borthwick’s immediate next steps are not publicly confirmed. No new acting projects have been announced as of late 2025. He has, however, maintained a public presence through his social media activity and his well-known support for West Ham United.
What other shows has he been in?
Borthwick is primarily known for his work on EastEnders, where he spent 19 years. His other television credits are limited. He appeared on Strictly Come Dancing in 2023 and has made guest appearances on various talk shows and fan podcasts. He also appeared on the Iron Cast podcast discussing his West Ham fandom.
What is known about his net worth?
His net worth is not publicly confirmed. As a long-running soap actor, estimates vary, but no verified figure has been disclosed by Borthwick or his representatives. The figure of £500,000–£1 million is sometimes cited in fan discussions, but this remains unsubstantiated.
Borthwick is one of the few actors to play a character for nearly two decades without a recast, unlike his on-screen best friend Ben Mitchell, who has been played by several actors. This longevity made his exit particularly notable for long-term viewers of the soap.
Jamie Borthwick: Personal Life and Social Media
Is Jamie Borthwick married?
His relationship status is not publicly confirmed. Borthwick has kept his personal life largely private, and no verified information about a spouse or partner is available in official sources.
What is his Instagram presence?
His Instagram handle is @jamie_b10, where he has over 359,000 followers. The account includes posts about his acting work, football fandom, and personal interests. Following the news of his axing, fans reacted with comments such as “Noo that can’t be true” and “It was going to happen because of what he did,” reflecting both shock and a sense that the outcome was foreseeable.
Is Jamie Borthwick a West Ham fan?
Yes, he is a lifelong West Ham United fan. He has appeared on the Iron Cast podcast and other platforms to discuss his support for the club. This aspect of his personal life is one of the few that he has publicly and consistently shared.
When Did Jamie Borthwick Leave EastEnders? A Career Timeline
- 23 June 1994 – Born in Barking, London.
- 14 December 2006 – Joined EastEnders as Jay Brown (originally Jay Mitchell) at age 12.
- 2006–2025 – Portrayed Jay Brown for 19 years, becoming one of the show’s longest-serving cast members.
- 2023 – Competed on Strictly Come Dancing 20th-anniversary series; won the Christmas special and reached Blackpool week.
- June 2025 – Suspended by the BBC for using discriminatory language during Strictly Come Dancing.
- September 2025 – BBC confirms he will not return to EastEnders.
- 2025 – Appeared on Iron Cast podcast discussing West Ham fandom.
What Is Confirmed and What Remains Unclear About Jamie Borthwick’s Exit?
| Established information | Information that remains unclear |
|---|---|
| Jamie Borthwick is an English actor born on 23 June 1994. | The exact reason for his departure has not been officially detailed beyond the BBC report. |
| He played Jay Brown on EastEnders from 2006 to 2025. | His net worth is not publicly confirmed. |
| He was reportedly axed from the show in September 2025 (per BBC News). | His relationship status is not publicly confirmed. |
| His Instagram handle is @jamie_b10 with over 359,000 followers. | Specific future acting projects have not been announced. |
| He is a West Ham United fan. | Whether the character Jay Brown will be recast or written out permanently has not been clarified. |
What Does Jamie Borthwick’s Exit Mean for EastEnders?
Jamie Borthwick’s departure after 19 years marks a significant moment for the long-running soap. As one of its longest-serving cast members, his character Jay Brown had been central to many major storylines, including the death of his father, his relationship with Ben Mitchell, and his role as a father figure to Lexi. The loss of such a long-standing character creates a gap in the show’s younger adult cast.
The show’s decision to bring back Max Branning (played by Jake Wood) suggests an effort to fill that gap with a familiar face. However, the timing and narrative logic of that return have not been fully explained. For viewers who grew up watching Borthwick’s performance, his exit represents the end of an era. Fans on forums such as Walford Web have discussed the abruptness of the character’s disappearance and what it means for ongoing storylines.
What Did Official Sources Say About Jamie Borthwick’s Departure?
The most authoritative source on the exit is the BBC itself. The corporation’s statement was brief but definitive. 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.”
“We can confirm that Jamie Borthwick will not be returning to EastEnders. We do not comment on individual matters.”
— BBC Studios spokesperson, via Digital Spy and BBC News
Borthwick himself issued an apology after the suspension, stating he was “deeply embarrassed” and that he “did not fully understand the derogatory term.” The Wikipedia entry for Jamie Borthwick notes his full name, date of birth, and career highlights, while IMDb provides a filmography listing his primary role.
What Is the Full Story of Jamie Borthwick’s Career and Exit?
Jamie Borthwick’s 19-year journey on EastEnders came to an end in September 2025 following a suspension for discriminatory language used during Strictly Come Dancing. Born in Barking, London, in 1994, he joined the soap at age 12 and grew into one of its most recognisable performers. While his departure was officially confirmed by the BBC, several details — including his net worth, relationship status, and future acting plans — remain unconfirmed. For fans of the show, his exit closes a long chapter and raises questions about how the character of Jay Brown will be handled going forward. For more on other EastEnders actors, see Paul Bradley – Alive? Age, Wife and EastEnders Return.
Frequently Asked Questions About Jamie Borthwick
What is Jamie Borthwick’s real name?
His full name is Jamie Simon Borthwick.
How tall is Jamie Borthwick?
His exact height is not publicly confirmed, but he is of average build.
Is Jamie Borthwick married?
His relationship status is not publicly confirmed.
What is Jamie Borthwick’s net worth?
His net worth is not publicly disclosed, but as a long-running soap actor, it is estimated to be in the range of £500,000–£1 million.
What other shows has Jamie Borthwick been in?
He is primarily known for EastEnders. His other credits are limited, but he has made guest appearances and participated in interviews.
When did Jamie Borthwick start on EastEnders?
He made his debut as Jay Brown on 14 December 2006.
Why was Jamie Borthwick suspended by the BBC?
He was suspended in June 2025 for using discriminatory language toward people with disabilities during the 2023 Strictly Come Dancing series.
Is Jamie Borthwick on Instagram?
Yes, his handle is @jamie_b10 and he has over 359,000 followers.
Is Jamie Borthwick a West Ham fan?
Yes, he is a lifelong West Ham United fan and has discussed this on podcasts.
What awards has Jamie Borthwick won?
He won a British Soap Award for best dramatic performance by a young actor and an Inside Soap Award for best actor.
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Kieran Doherty covers Westminster, councils, public policy and political affairs across the United Kingdom.