EastEnders’ Balvinder reveals axed co-star Jamie Borthwick’s advice ahead of Strictly debut
Her axed co-star competed on the BBC One show last year
AS she gears up for her debut on Strictly Come Dancing, actress Balvinder Sopal has revealed the advice her former co-star, Jamie Borthwick has given her.
Jamie, 31, was axed from EastEnders this week after previously being suspended following his use of a disabled slur while competing on Strictly last year.
The long-running series will be back on our screens in a matter of days, with a new crop of famous faces including Balvinder, 46, taking to the dancefloor.
Ahead of her first dance, the BBC One star told The Sun: “We’ve had brilliant people come on the show, absolutely. But I’m not thinking about anybody else’s shoes but my own. You can get some advice though. And I have done and they’ve been really supportive and wonderful.
“Emma Barton, Scott Maslen, Jamie Borthwick. Everybody has said just enjoy it because it goes so quickly. And drink lots of water, have your vitamins, magnesium, sleep, rest when you can. So yeah, just enjoy it.”
After nearly two decades of playing Jay Brown on Albert Square, it was revealed that Jamie has been let go from the soap and his time was up.
BBC Studios confirmed the news with a spokesperson revealing: “We can confirm that Jamie Borthwick will not be returning to EastEnders. We do not comment on individual matters.”
The actor was suspended back in June after The Sun on Sunday revealed a video of him using a severely derogatory term.
He issued a grovelling apology to The Sun on Sunday but sources said his job was at risk.
At the time, disability charity Scope also called for Borthwick to undergo “awareness training.”
A source said: “Jamie is well thought of but Jay hasn’t played a central role in the show for a while.
“The character hasn’t had a major storyline recently – he’s been very much a supporting character of late.
“Meanwhile Jamie has been kept busy outside of EastEnders by being given the Strictly Christmas special in 2023 and then the full series last year.
“But consequently on EastEnders he’s barely been seen with about 30 appearances on screen since last summer.
“And with a new boss in Ben Wadey who only recently took the helm and with the scandal taking place so soon into his tenure feeling is that Jamie’s place on the show could be at serious risk.”
Jamie joined the show back in 2006 and has been involved in some big storylines over the years, most recently dealing with the aftermath of losing his wife, Lola Pearce (Danielle Harold) to a brain tumour.
