Jamie Borthwick looks downcast as he is seen for the first time since being suspended from EastEnders over disabled slur
JAMIE Borthwick looked downcast as he was spotted for the first time today since being suspended from EastEnders.
The actor was under fire last night after it emerged he had
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Jamie Borthwick looked downbeat as he was seen for the first time today since being suspended from the soap
Credit: Click News and Media
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He was seen running errands near his home
Credit: Click News and Media
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Jamie's future on the soap is now hanging in the balance
Credit: Click News and Media
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It was filmed while they were on set for the Blackpool special
This afternoon
Sporting a green striped t-shirt, grey shorts and blue trainers, Jamie cut a casual figure as he made his way to his parked car.
An onlooker said: "He looked like a man with the weight of the world on his shoulders, which isn't surprising given the hot water he is in right now."
Jamie sent shockwaves behind the scenes at the BBC soap's Elstree-based set last night when The Sun On Sunday revealed a video has emerged of him on the set of the dance show last year.
read more on Jamie Borthwick
In it, he was seen using the term
'm********s' to describe the people of Blackpool, the seaside town where the show was being filmed
for its annual special.
Jamie, who plays
The footage — which was sent to a pal — shows him backstage during rehearsals alongside co-star
The pair were excited to learn they had been selected for the Strictly tour, which toured the country earlier this year.
Most read in Soaps
Jamie is then seen laughing, before saying: 'Blackpool by the way. Absolute m********s.'
The BBC immediately suspended him from the soap while they investigate the matter.
Fresh Strictly scandal as Jamie Borthwick & Wynne Evans blasted by BBC over shocking SEX TOY vid filmed in dressing room
Last night, they said in a statement: 'This language is entirely unacceptable and in no way reflects the values or standards we hold and expect at the BBC. We have robust processes in place for this.'
Jamie also issued a statement on his own.
He 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.
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Jamie has played Jay Brown in EastEnders since 2006.
Credit: BBC
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Jamie and Wynne Evans both appeared in the video
Credit: Splash
'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.'
This isn't the first time Jamie has got in trouble - back in April, he and Wynne were told off by BBC bosses
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Strictly films its annual special in the seaside town every November
Credit: Alamy
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