By Matt Davies

Copyright dailystar

Strictly Come Dancing star Michelle Tsiakkas has revealed what it was truly like partnering with Jamie Borthwick, before his shocking dismissal by the BBC. Earlier this month, news broke that Borthwick, known for portraying Jay Brown in EastEnders and featuring in Strictly’s milestone 20th series, had been sacked from the enduring soap following a 19-year stint . The BBC had previously suspended Borthwick for uttering a slur against disabled people whilst on the Strictly set, for which he subsequently issued an apology. In a resurfaced podcast appearance featuring the actor and his Strictly dance partner, Michelle revealed insights into their professional partnership. During a chat on the Sunday Mirror’s Invite Only podcast in 2024, Borthwick declared he’d developed a “fantastic bond” with his co-star, with Michelle concurring that she felt she’d “gained a really close friend”. Michelle explained: “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 added: “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 quizzed about what they’d discovered about one another throughout the experience, Michelle revealed she could “never be angry” at him, as he consistently made her laugh and likened him to her “little brother”. The professional dancer went on to say they’d arrived at a stage where she could be “completely honest” with him, explaining how they shared the same work ethic whilst also being able to “have fun”. Regarding Borthwick’s EastEnders departure, a BBC Studios representative had previously stated: “We can confirm that Jamie Borthwick will not be returning to EastEnders. We do not comment on individual matters.” In September, the Mirror revealed that Borthwick had been spotted appearing “downcast and unshaven” whilst purchasing goods from a local shop near his residence. It’s understood he’d been notified of the decision around this period. 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 released 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 admitted that he’d been “excited” and “caught up in the moment” at the time, but acknowledged that this was “no excuse”. Borthwick added that his “regrettable actions” weren’t a “true reflection” of his views or who he is.