Jamie Borthwick, who plays Jay Brown in BBC soap EastEnders, is reportedly returning to the show three months after being suspended for using a derogatory term about disabled people.
The news of his suspension came in June this year, six months after he had taken part in Strictly Come Dancing, which is when the incident was said to have taken place.
At the time, it was reported the star was recorded using a derogatory word to describe locals in Blackpool – where the BBC dance show filmed a live episode from the Blackpool Tower Ballroom during the 22nd series. Footage was reportedly made of Jamie using the word which was then said to be sent to one of his friends.
Jamie used the term while filming for Strictly last year
The star, received condemnation from the disability charity Scope and a local politician in Blackpool for using the term. Amid news of his return to the soap next month, Scope have called for the star to take part in awareness training.
Dr Shani Dhanda told The Sun: “What shocked me most about this story is the character Jamie plays in the show often appears alongside another character called Janet who has Down syndrome. His character was even her stepdad at one point. He didn’t say the word directly to a disabled person, but even still language is so important.
Meanwhile, Blackpool councillor Paul Gulley told the publication that he was “inviting Jamie to Blackpool to hear first-hand how his words caused hurt, and apologise in person.
“The BBC lifting his suspension without any visible act of contrition beyond a statement sends a worrying message celebrities can offend, apologise, and carry on without real consequence.”
The star issued an apology at the time
A BBC spokesperson told the Mirror: “Whilst we do not comment on any individual matter, each case is always considered on its own facts. We are very clear on our expectations that inappropriate behaviour and language will not be tolerated.”
At the time of the video being released, Jamie released a statement which read: “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.”
News of Jamie’s reported return to the soap comes after EastEnders confirmed the return of his honorary brother Ben Mitchell. It’s been confirmed Max Bowden will be reprising his role as Ben after leaving the soap last year.
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