EastEnders star suspended after slur on Strictly set

EntertainmentLifestyle
8 Jun 2025 • 5:23 AM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

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  • Eastenders actor Jamie Borthwick has been suspended by the BBC after using a disabled slur in a phone video while on the set of Strictly Come Dancing in Blackpool last November.
  • The BBC has stated that Borthwick's language is "entirely unacceptable" and does not reflect the values of the BBC.
  • Warren Kirwan, media manager at disability equality charity Scope, condemned Borthwick's language, stating that such attitudes have wider negative consequences for disabled people.
  • This incident follows Wynne Evans' recent departure from BBC Radio Wales after he used "inappropriate language" during the launch of the Strictly Come Dancing tour.
  • Evans stated that the comment was a nickname for fellow contestant Borthwick, and was not sexual or directed at one of the female cast.

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