By Matt Davies

Copyright walesonline

A Strictly Come Dancing star has opened up about what it was really like working with Jamie Borthwick, prior to his dramatic axing by the BBC . Earlier this month, reports emerged that Borthwick, who played Jay Brown in EastEnders and appeared in Strictly’s 20th anniversary series, had been fired from the long-running soap after a 19-year run . The BBC previously suspended Borthwick for using a slur against disabled people on the Strictly set, which he later apologised for. Meanwhile, in an unearthed podcast episode in which the actor appeared alongside his Strictly dance partner, Michelle Tsiakkas shed light on the pair’s working relationship. Speaking to the Sunday Mirror’s Invite Only podcast in 2024, Borthwick claimed that he’d formed a “fantastic bond” with his co-star , to which she agreed, saying that she felt like she’d “gained a really close friend”. Michelle said: “When you go through such an intense experience together, you know, there’s a lot of pressure, a lot of work, so it’s physically and mentally tiring.” She continued: “You go through a lot of highs, you go through a lot of lows, and, you know, everything in between. I think that really bonds you together and helps you to understand the other person better, you know? “Maybe more than people who’ve known you for years, because you learn so much about that person because of the intense, short experience.” When asked what they’d learned about each other during the process , Michelle noted that she could “never be angry” at him, as he always made her laugh and described him as being like her “little brother”. The dancer added that they’d reached the point where she could be “completely honest” with him, detailing how they share the same work ethic, but also like to “have fun”. Addressing Borthwick’s EastEnders exit, a BBC Studios spokesperson previously said: “We can confirm that Jamie Borthwick will not be returning to EastEnders. We do not comment on individual matters.” In September, the Mirror reported that Borthwick had been seen looking “downcast and unshaven” after buying items from a shop near his home. It’s believed that he’d been informed of the decision around this time. His suspension reportedly occurred after he used an offensive term (allegedly captured in a phone clip) about people with disabilities to describe residents of Blackpool while filming the dance competition in the Lancashire town. At the time of the incident, the BBC described the actor’s language as “entirely unacceptable” and as not reflecting the “values or standards we hold and expect.” In June, Borthwick issued an apology: “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.” He claimed that he’d been “excited” and “caught up in the moment” at the time, but conceded that this was “no excuse”. Borthwick added that his “regrettable actions” weren’t a “true reflection” of his views or who he is.