EastEnders’ Jamie Borthwick told bosses ‘k.i.l.l me off’ before BBC suspension
EastEnders star Jamie Borthwick was suspended by the BBC earlier this month after using an ableist slur while on Strictly Come Dancing
Jamie Borthwick told EastEnders bosses to k.i.l.l him off(Image: BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron)
Jamie Borthwick previously told EastEnders bosses to k.i.l.l him off before he was suspended by the BBC. The soap star was suspended by the BBC earlier this month and apologised after using a slur against disabled people while on the set of Strictly. His suspension came despite the effect it may have on continuity on the soap.
But back in 2023, Jamie admitted he wanted bosses to “k.i.l.l him off”. At the time, EastEnders fans were left in bits when they had to say goodbye to Lola Pearce-Brown following her tragic demise from a brain tumour.
In her final episode, Jay delivered a heartfelt tribute, musing that his wife would return as a fox because she’s “wily, sassy, scrappy and sexy”. Wondering about his own afterlife, he fancied himself as a rat so they could “rummage through the bins together”.
Jamie previously recalled his final scenes with co-star Danielle Harold(Image: BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron)
As the episode wrapped up, a sneaky fox was seen scampering around Albert Square, symbolising Lola’s spirit as Jay and Lexi grieved.
Chatting exclusively with Daily Star at the British Soap Awards in 2023, the actor dished on his envisioned departure for Jay.
He said: “Well, I can’t do any better than hers (Danielle Harold), can I? So fine, k.i.l.l me off. In the monologue which I say to her [before she d.i.e.s], I say I’ll be a rat and you can be a fox, and then there’s going to be a clip.
“I will sacrifice never coming back to EastEnders again just so we can have a fox and a rat rummaging through the bins as my final clip.
“I would sacrifice that for this soap, that’s how giving I am. K.i.l.l me off just for that, I don’t need to work ever again just for that, for that one scene.”
Jamie Borthwick was suspended by the BBC after ‘unacceptable’ language on Strictly(Image: PA)
Earlier this month, the BBC suspended Jamie for using “entirely unacceptable” language which “in now way reflects the values or standards we hold and expect”.
Jamie told The Sun on Sunday: “I want to apologise sincerely and wholeheartedly for the words I used in the video showing my reaction to making it through Blackpool week on Strictly.
“I am deeply sorry for any offence and upset my words and actions have caused.
“It is no excuse, but I did not fully understand the derogatory term I used and its meaning. That is on me completely.
“Now I am aware, I am deeply embarrassed to have used the term and directed it in the way I did. It was wrong.
“When I made the video, I was excited and caught up in the moment. Again, that is no excuse. But my regrettable actions are not a true reflection of my views, or who I am.
“I enjoyed every minute of my time in the Blackpool Tower Ballroom and the town itself. The people of Blackpool have always been amazing with the Strictly crew, dancers and cast members.
“I know they will be again for this year’s show and those in years to come. I am truly sorry.”
