Jamie Borthwick 'attempting to right wrongs' as he tries to save TV career
EastEnders star Jamie Borthwick is currently suspended by the BBC after using a disabled slur when he appeared on Strictly Come Dancing
Jamie Borthwick is said to be "attempting to right the wrongs in my life" after being suspended by the BBC. The EastEnders star was giving his marching orders after it emerged he'd used an offensive disabled slur while appearing on Strictly Come Dancing.
The 30-year-old actor has since apologised for using the derogatory word to describe locals in Blackpool, where Strictly filmed their special ballroom episode six months ago. It's reported footage was made of Jamie using the word, which was then sent to one of his friends.
Issuing a grovelling apology last week, Jamie 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."
In a last ditch bid to clear up his act, Jamie is reportedly set to meet with BBC bosses in the hope he could get his EastEnders job back. He's starred as Jay Brown in the long-running BBC soap since 2006.
But in texts to an ex-partner, The Sun reports the star as saying he's had time to reflect on "decisions that have led me here". And at the moment it's still "not clear" if he will keep his job.
A source has claimed Jamie told the ex: "I accept the karma that has come my way due to some bad choices", adding: "Had I the opportunity to turn the clock back I would do so and do everything differently."
He went on to say he is "attempting to right the wrongs in my life" and "want to sincerely apologise for the mistakes I made and for hurting you and how I handled the whole situation."
It's not the first Strictly scandal Jamie has been involved with since appearing on the show. Footage reportedly emerged of him brandishing a sex toy sent to him by celebrity co-star Go Compare opera singer Wynne Evans, who has also found himself under fire for his behaviour on Strictly.
The inappropriate video was said to have been shared in a messaging group with other Strictly stars, who it is suggested did not expect nor want to be included in an exchange that had a sexual connotation. The clip is thought to have been filmed just two days after Wynne was recorded making a sexualised comment about pro dancer Janette Manrara.
Wynne, who was a BBC Radio Wales presenter, has since been dropped by the BBC following an apology saying that he used "inappropriate language" during the launch of the Strictly Come Dancing tour.
Speaking about Jamie's suspension, a BBC spokesperson said: "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."
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