EastEnders spoilers follow for Tuesday’s (February 10) episode which is now available to stream on BBC iPlayer.

EastEnders have referenced the continued absence of Jay Brown, after actor Jamie Borthwick’s axing.

Jamie was initially suspended from the show last year for using a disabled slur after almost twenty years in the role as a result of being caught on camera using the derogatory phrase while describing the people of Blackpool when on the set of Strictly Come Dancing.

BBC bosses immediately issued a statement, in which they called his comments ‘entirely unacceptable’, later telling Metro: ‘We have robust processes in place for this,’ while admonishing what Jamie said as being: ‘in no way reflects the values or standards [they] hold and expect at the BBC.’

Jamie told the Sun at the time: I accept the karma that has come my way due to some bad choices.’ He later issued an official statement, in which he said: ‘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.’

Although viewers believed that Jamie would return following his suspension, a spokesperson for BBC Studios later confirmed to Metro that ‘Jamie Borthwick will not be returning to EastEnders’, adding: ‘we do not comment on individual matters.’

Where is Jay in EastEnders?

Over Christmas, Lexi Pearce (Isabella Brown) was heartbroken when Callum Highway (Tony Clay) had to explain that Jay wouldn’t be coming home for Christmas, having met a new girlfriend, Elayna, while up north caring for his grandad.

Todays episode saw further upset for Lexi who, while also worrying about the strain caring for Nigel Bates (Paul Bradley) is having on her grandad, Phil Mitchell (Steve McFadden), had earlier received an envelope.

When tracked down by Callum and Billy Mitchell (Perry Fenwick), Lexi was seen reading a letter with a baby scan picture attached.

With Jay staying permanently up north and expecting a baby with Elayne and upset at all the change, Lexi sobbed. Callum reaffirmed to her that she always had them and while Lexi planned to visit Jay over the half-term holiday, she also managed to talk Jay into a trip to McClunky’s.

Fan’s aren’t buying it

It’s incredibly safe to say that fans weren’t thrilled with the reasoning given for Jay’s absence, feeling as though there’s no way that he’d allow this level of distance from Lexi.

Others believe that the given explanation doesn’t gel with his much-loved relationship with Lexi’s mum, Lola Pearce (Danielle Harold).

Anna Powell took to Facebook and said: ‘so much for Jay taking on Lexi, at least she has Callum and hopefully Ben will come back’, while Barbara Stanford agreed: ‘Jay would never have left Lexi’.

Sharon Fearnley had similar thoughts: ‘Can’t believe they wrote him out to leave Lexi, Jay would never leave her’, to which Angela Shaw replied: ‘Jay wouldn’t leave Lexi. He is her guardian.’