By Matt Davies
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A Strictly Come Dancing star has revealed what it was truly like collaborating with Jamie Borthwick, before his shocking dismissal by the BBC. Earlier this month, news broke that Borthwick, who portrayed Jay Brown in EastEnders and featured in Strictly’s 20th anniversary series, had been sacked from the popular soap following a 19-year stint.
The BBC had previously suspended Borthwick for uttering a slur against disabled people on the Strictly set, for which he subsequently issued an apology.
Meanwhile, in a resurfaced podcast episode featuring the actor alongside his Strictly dance partner, Michelle Tsiakkas revealed insights into their professional partnership.
Speaking on the Sunday Mirror’s Invite Only podcast in 2024, Borthwick declared that he’d developed a “fantastic bond” with his co-star, to which she concurred, expressing 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 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 questioned about what they’d discovered regarding each other throughout the experience, Michelle observed that she could “never be angry” at him, as he consistently made her laugh, characterising him as being like her “little brother”.
The professional dancer went on to say that they’d arrived at the stage where she could be “completely honest” with him, explaining how they share the same professional dedication, but also enjoy having a laugh.
Regarding Borthwick’s departure from EastEnders, a BBC Studios representative 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 reported that Borthwick had been spotted appearing “downcast and unshaven” after purchasing goods from a shop near his residence. It’s understood that 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 characterised the actor’s remarks as “entirely unacceptable” and as failing to reflect 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 admitted that he’d been “excited” and “caught up in the moment” at the time, but acknowledged that this was “no excuse”. Borthwick further stated that his “regrettable actions” weren’t a “true reflection” of his views or who he is.
