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EastEnders star Jamie Borthwick recently apologised for using a disabled slur. It has been reported his job at the soap is at risk over the scandal

EastEnders star Jamie Borthwick’s soap role ‘at risk’ over disabled slur(Image: BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron)

EastEnders star Jamie Borthwick’s job at the long-running soap is reportedly at risk after he used a derogatory term about disabled people. The 30-year-old actor, who has appeared on EastEnders since 2006, in which he plays Jay Brown, reportedly used offensive language in a video that was allegedly shared with friends.

It was reported that the star was recorded using a derogatory word to describe locals in Blackpool, where BBC show Strictly Come Dancing filmed a glitzy live episode from the Blackpool Tower Ballroom. The word he used is a derogatory term regarded as a disabled slur. The star sparked condemnation from the disability charity Scope and a local politician in Blackpool.

It is reported that footage was made of Jamie using the word, which was then sent to one of his friends. He has since issued a grovelling apology for using the offensive slur.

Jamie apologised for using the slur(Image: BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron)

And now, it’s been said his apology might not be enough to end the scandal. An insider claimed how his character hasn’t been part of a ‘central role in the show for a while’.

“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,” the source claimed to The Sun.

He recently issued a grovelling apology which had been shared by The Sun on Sunday, stating: “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.

It has been reported his job at EastEnders is at risk(Image: BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron)

“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 went on to issue an apology to the people of Blackpool and reiterate his regret over his words.

After the publication claimed that he was suspended from EastEnders, a BBC spokesperson told The Mirror: “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.”

Last year, Jamie appeared on Strictly where he was paired with professional dancer Michelle Tsiakkas. They featured alongside Go Compare opera singer Wynne Evans, 53, who sparked scandal over his actions on the show.

Strictly Come Dancing host Claudia Winkleman is to receive an MBE in the King’s Birthday Honours List – but she has had her fair share of encounters with the royals

Claudia Winkleman may be receiving an MBE, but she has a very close relationship with the Royal Family. The Strictly Come Dancing host and her co-star Tess Daly will be awarded an MBE for services to broadcasting as part of King Charles’ Birthday Honours, alongside the likes of Sir David Beckham and darts ace, Luke Littler.

Speaking of the recognition, Claudia said: “I am incredibly grateful to receive this honour. It’s a real privilege to work with extraordinarily talented people and I have only got this because of them. So this is for the BBC, the traitors and the faithful, for pianos and for the cha cha. I will buy a hat and am taking my mum. I am ridiculously lucky and will celebrate with Tess by doing a paso double.”

This, however, isn’t her first brush with royalty as Claudia is technically related to the King. The 53-year-old was an only child until her parents, Eve Pollard and Barry Winkleman, divorced in 1975. After Barry remarried with Cindy Black, he went on to welcome daughter Sophie Winkleman, 44, an actress.

While Sophie is best known for playing Big Suze in the sitcom Peep Show, the actress is in fact, royal. The actress married into the House of Windsor in September 2009, tying the knot with Lord Frederick Windsor, the son of Prince and Princess Michael of Kent at Hampton Court Palace.

Claudia is said to be pals with Queen Camilla, who is a huge Strictly fan(Image: Wiktor Szymanowicz/Future Publis)

Upon their marriage, Sophie has been styled as Lady Frederick Windsor, but uses her maiden name for work purposes. Their wedding was attended by Lady Gabriella Kingston, Princess Eugenie, the Duke and Duchess of Kent, Lady Helen Taylor, and, of course, Sophie’s sister, Claudia. In keeping with royal marriages, the late Queen Elizabeth consented to the marriage, as required by the Royal Marriages Act 1772.

Now, he and Sophie are 53rd in line to the throne. Frederick was a first cousin once removed of the late Queen, a first cousin twice removed of the late Prince Philip and is also the second cousin once removed of King Charles – meaning Claudia has a distant relation to His Majesty.

Her sister, Sophie, married into the Royal Family in 2009(Image: Getty Images)

While neither Claudia nor Sophie frequently open up about their regal in-laws, Sophie has, on rare occasions, spoken about her family. “Family isn’t always brilliant but this lot are very sweet,” she said on the Daily T podcast. She went on to add: “I love all of them.”

She went on to add: “I’ve got much more friendly with them as I’ve got to know them.” Meanwhile, in an interview with HELLO! Magazine, she said of Catherine, Princess of Wales: “She’s wonderful. I last saw her at Wimbledon; it was so cheering to see her, beautiful as ever. She’s been amazingly brave and is doing so well.”

Reflecting on her cousin-in-law, the King, Sophie told the outlet: “Duty and service run through him like a stick of rock; it just doesn’t occur to him to rest, something which those who love him are desperate for him to do. He’s battling cancer and doesn’t give himself a moment off – he’s a hugely inspirational man.

Sophie Windsor has a close bond with her regal in-laws(Image: UK Press via Getty Images)

“The central royal family work very hard. It’s not an easy existence, having a spotlight on you from the second you’re born. I count pretty much every one of them as a trusted friend. I’m very lucky.” But this isn’t Claudia’s only connection with the royals – it’s said that the broadcaster has a close bond with Her Majesty Queen Camilla, who is “one of Strictly’s greatest fans.”

Tess Daly’s husband, Vernon Kay, said: “Camilla and Tess have a real friendship through it now. They don’t text, but we have mutual friends and messages come through. When they see each other, the Queen is always asking: ‘Who is your favourite?’ She wants to know the backstage gossip. It’s crazy to think of the King and Queen sat on the sofa with a brew watching your wife present Strictly.”

The late Queen Elizabeth was also a fan of the show, and Princess Catherine is said to be a huge fan. Meanwhile, Princess Anne previously confessed that she would love to sign up for the show, according to professional dancer Nadiya Bychkova.

Mark Wright has apologised after sharing a post about a flight home from a holiday with Michelle Keegan on the same day as the news of the Air India plane crash

Mark Wright has apologised for a post he made on the same day as the news of the Air India crash(Image: Getty Images)

Mark Wright has apologised after sharing a post that was deemed insensitive in the wake of the Air India plane crash. He’s since deleted the post and said in a statement on his Instagram Stories that it had been a “horrendous coincidence”.

Mark, 38, and Michelle Keegan, also 38, have been sharing content on Instagram from a holiday to Spain lately. The couple, who were joined by some of his family on the trip, took their three-month-old baby Palma abroad for the first time. They are understood to have already returned to the UK and earlier today Mark is said to have shared a photo of the trio in front of a private jet at an airport. He reportedly teased over having limited leg room on standard flights in the post.

Mark Wright (right), pictured with Michelle Keegan (left), has apologised after sharing a holiday post(Image: Instagram/wrighty_)

The Heart radio host is said to have been met with a backlash over the post amid the news of the Air India flight, which went down shortly after take-off from Ahmedabad. It had been bound for Gatwick Airport in London.

Mark has since apologised for the “mistake,” telling fans that he had scheduled the post, which has now been deleted, in advance. He shared a statement on his Instagram Story, in which he said it had been a “horrendous coincidence”.

He wrote: “I apologise for a post I just put up on my page after today’s heartbreaking events. I have posts from a holiday that are on the scheduled setting, which go out on future days I have set them for which was done last week.”

Mark continued the statement by saying that it was a “coincidence” that it had gone out on the same day as the Air India crash. He told fans that as soon as he realised what had happened, he “immediately” deleted the post.

He added in the message to his followers this evening: “It’s a horrendous coincidence that today’s post was on such a devastating day. Once I logged in to my Instagram and realised the post had gone out, I immediately deleted [it].”

The former TOWIE star concluded by expressing sympathy with anyone affected by the plane crash. He wrote: “My heart goes out to everyone who has been effected from today. I’m sorry for this mistake and any offence caused.”

He’s apologised for the post in light of the news today that an Air India flight has crashed(Image: Instagram/wrighty_)

According to the Sun, Mark had teased over not having extra leg room on the flight home from his holiday with Michelle and their daughter in the post. Seemingly teasing over them not travelling on a private plane, he’s said to have written: “1 day babe, for now we’ll take row 26 with no extra leg room.”

The outlet reports that some of his followers were quick to question the post given the news of the Air India flight. One person is said to have responded to him: “Not really appropriate to put this up after today’s plane crash.”

Another is quoted as having said: “Prob not the best day to post this when so many people lost their lives on a plane.” Whilst a third person reportedly responded to Mark’s now-deleted post at the time: “Poor taste given today’s event.”

Coronation Street actress Vicky Myers has addressed her character Lisa Swain’s real feelings about colleague and dodgy detective Kit Green after recent clashes, with drama ahead

Coronation Street actress Vicky Myers has addressed her character Lisa Swain’s real feelings about colleague and dodgy detective Kit Green(Image: ITV)

There’s plenty more drama on the way for Coronation Street detectives Lisa Swain and Kit Green.

The pair have constantly clashed over the past few months, with Kit’s dodgy policing not exactly going down well with colleague Lisa too. But it’s been teased they could come to an understanding, and the loss of their fellow officer Craig Tinker, who was murdered, could see Lisa be more “protective” of Kit.

Actress Vicky Myers spoke exclusively to The Mirror about what’s ahead, addressing the pair’s relationship and likening it to siblings bickering. She confessed underneath it all, Lisa did care for Kit and the pair were similar, with this being why they likely clash on the job.

With fans often slamming “corrupt” detective Kit for his secret crimes and wrong ways of handling things, Vicky told us that Lisa was keen to “put Kit in line” when needed.

She revealed: “I think there’s definitely more drama ahead between them. But I think after what has happened with Tinker, Lisa really feels like she is this protector.

There’s plenty more drama on the way for Coronation Street detectives Lisa Swain and Kit Green(Image: ITV)

“She sees something in Kit that reminds her of herself but equally, she frustrates him and he does her. She knows not everything he does is above board and it doesn’t sit well with her.”

Vicky went on of them both having done things they shouldn’t in the past: “He has something on her so it all get a little bit conflicted, but underneath it all she sees him very much as a younger brother that needs putting in line every now and again.” So there’s definitely more scenes on the way for Kit and Lisa, with episodes this week certainly leaving fans wanting more.

We also asked Vicky about the looming 65th anniversary for the ITV soap, and that crossover with Emmerdale. She shared: “I’m very excited, for the crossover in particular.

“I am surprised that it’s not been done sooner or before at all. The whole thought of it is exciting. What’s gonna happen I don’t know exactly. I don’t know the story or where it will be.

Vicky told us that Lisa was keen to “put Kit in line” when needed(Image: ITV)

“There’s lots of unanswered questions but the fact it’s happening, for the cast, the crew and the viewers it is gonna be spectacular. It’s been a long time coming. What a year to celebrate that with it being our 65th!”

We also got the lowdown on all things Swarla, with Vicky hoping for more scenes between Lisa and Carla with their “extended family” and in their community. She felt “privileged” to be part of something that people could see themselves in and relate to.

She said: “It’s very much part of the community, it’s great that people can see themselves and see their family on TV. It represents them and they can relate to them and everything they have to navigate. I’m so pleased to have been able to show that. What a privilege it is that I am a part of that.”

Coronation Street viewers think they know who reported Maria Connor to the police after a showdown with Lou Michaelis, with someone close to home tipped to be to blame

Coronation Street viewers think they know who reported Maria Connor to the police (Image: ITV)

There was drama on Coronation Street on Friday night, as a showdown between Maria Connor and Lou Michaelis ended with an arrest.

Maria was horrified when the police came to take her away, with her accused of actual bodily harm. She’d been caught up in a fight with Lou after spotting her trying to steal from Shona Platt.

Her attempt to stop her led to Lou taking a tumble, slamming into a coffee table. As the camera panned back to her she was laying on the floor covered in blood and cuts, with glass everywhere.

She accused Maria of pushing her on purpose, telling the others she had been attacked. As Maria’s partner Gary Windass helped Lou onto her feet, Maria claimed it was an accident and that while she did grab Lou, Lou had tripped over.

With Maria not being believed by some of her neighbours, Gary headed to the hospital with Lou while he begged her not to get the police involved. Gary made it clear he didn’t think it was an accident, telling Maria she needed to apologise.

There was drama on Coronation Street on Friday night, as a showdown between Maria Connor and Lou Michaelis ended with an arrest(Image: ITV)

Maria then accused him of getting too close to Lou, with fans also predicting Lou was trying to get closer to Gary. Gary claimed she was lying about Lou trying to steal money, and also lying about what really happened.

She accused him of fancying her and it led to a row. Things got awkward later on, with Sarah Platt backing Maria and agreeing with her side of the story.

It wasn’t enough though as the police entered the pub and arrested her. But while the obvious culprit behind the report was Lou herself, fans were not convinced.

With upcoming spoilers suggesting Lou denies being involved, fans think they know who really told the police – with an affair plot sealed. Viewers suggested it was Gary behind the call after her refusal to own up and apologise.

Maria accused Gary of getting too close to Lou(Image: ITV)

They think Gary wants Maria out of the way so he can embark on a romance with Lou. Taking to X, one fan suggested: “Gotta be Gary turning Maria in! Lou doesn’t wanna deal with all that, but Gary’s getting so fed up.”

Another fan agreed: “It definitely wasn’t Lou, it was either Gary because he’s sick of it or someone trying to make it look like it was Lou.” A third viewer posted: “Does anyone else think it was Gary who reported Maria to the police? Is he going to have an affair with Lou?”

A further post read: “Maybe he just wanted Maria out the way,” as another fan commented: “Wtf has Gary dobbed Maria to the rozzers?” As for the affair, one fan suggested: “I’m here for Gary and Lou!” as another fan commented: “Gary and Lou affair impending.”

The Loose Women star, 65, whipped up the dish after a ‘very long’ Pilates session this week – the recipe is very straight-forward

Ruth Langsford shared the recipe with fans on Instagram(Image: Karwai Tang/WireImage)

Ruth Langsford has shared a quick salad recipe with fans that’s ideal for a simple lunch. The 65-year-old Loose Women star mentioned that she made it after a ‘very long’ Pilates session this week, showcasing the dish on Instagram.

“Quick, lunch for one,” she wrote. “Did Pilates this morning with @siobhanklloyd after a VERY long time so I thought I’d better follow up with a healthy lunch!”

If you’re eager to try Ruth’s recipe, here are the eight essential ingredients she used.

One portion

Lettuce

 

Chopped cucumber

 

Avocado slices

 

M&S Seafood Sauce

 

Cooked prawns

 

A small volume of milk

 

A sprinkle of black pepper

 

A sprinkle of paprika

To kickstart her recipe, Ruth first chopped her ingredients off-camera before throwing the lettuce, chopped cucumber and lettuce into a dish. She then placed her cooked prawns in a separate bowl before coating them in a generous spoonful of the M&S Seafood sauce.

Once thoroughly mixed together, she popped the prawns on top of the salad in her serving dish. However, she then realised that a little more dressing was needed.

In light of this, she blended more of the seafood sauce with a tiny splash of milk in another separate bowl. She said this helped to loosen the dressing, which she subsequently drizzled over the salad.

Ruth’s simple recipe contains just eight ingredients(Image: Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images)

As a final touch, paprika and black pepper were sprinkled on top. Ruth added: “Yes…my battery-operated pepper mill has a light!!!”

The TV star’s recipe was quickly showered by comments from fans, with many complementing her straight-forward but delicious-seeming recipe. One person wrote: “Love this Ruth. Looks delicious and healthy.”

Another person added: “Looks lovely Ruth . Great tasty lunch,” while someone else said: “I need that now please.”

Earlier this year, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle hired Meredith Maines as their new chief communication officer, and over the past few months their team has undergone some changes

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have hired a new team

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have reportedly axed four key staff members following a string of PR blunders. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are said to have parted ways with their LA-based deputy press secretary Kyle Boulia and UK press officer Charlie Gipson. Both of them were hired in April 2024.

Two other members of the couple’s private team have reportedly also left in recent weeks. The changes come after Harry and Meghan appointed a new team, headed by chief communication officer (CCO) Meredith Maines, earlier this year. Meredith confirmed her team is now made up of eight people working across five different time zones.

Harry and Meghan also recently hired Emily Robinson, who previously oversaw global publicity for The Crown from seasons three to six, as their new director of communications.

The Sussexes’ chief communication officer said the team now includes eight people working across five time zones(Image: Anadolu via Getty Images)

Season six of the hit Netflix drama programme aired controversial storylines which included Prince Harry wearing Nazi fancy dress, Princess Diana’s Panorama interview, and scenes depicting Diana as a ghost speaking to Queen Elizabeth II. A source has now claimed more changes could be in the works for the couple, who stepped down as senior royals in 2020 and now live in California with their two children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet.

The source told Hello! Magazine: “Something tells me there will be another change in the future. Meghan and Harry have hired some of the most incredible people at the top of their fields, yet somehow none of them ever work out.”

Following reports of changes within the Sussexes’ team, their CCO Meredith said in a statement shared with The Mirror: “As the Duke and Duchess’s business and philanthropic interests grow, I have made the strategic decision to move toward a more traditional communications structure of specialist agency support, as previously reported in Forbes and PR Week several weeks ago. Transitioning from a team of two to an agency support staff of eight, operating across five different time zones, will give international media and stakeholders better access, and critically, faster response times to inquiries.”

The Sussexes have recently raised eyebrows over some recent media moments, including an explosive BBC interview Harry gave following the rejection of his appeal against the downgrade of his UK security. In the interview, Harry claimed his father, King Charles, is no longer speaking to him due to the row around his security arrangements while in the UK. He also mentioned the King’s cancer treatment and expressed uncertainty about “how much longer my father has left,” sparking some criticism for fuelling speculation about the monarch’s health.

Meghan was due to attend a charity event on Saturday but it has been cancelled(Image: Getty)

Meghan also recently shared a video of herself twerking alongside Harry in hospital, as she tried to bring on labour while pregnant with Lilibet. The candid Instagram video, which runs for more than a minute, was shared as the pair market Lilibet’s fourth birthday with Meghan explaining: “Four years ago today, this also happened. Both of our children were a week past their due dates… so when spicy food, all that walking, and acupuncture didn’t work – there was only one thing left to do!”

And this year the Duchess also launched her Netflix series, With Love, Meghan, which received mixed reviews but was a success for the streaming platform, which has already renewed it for a second season. Alongside the series, Meghan also launched her lifestyle brand, As Ever, selling homemade products including raspberry jam, wildflower honey, herbal teas, flower sprinkles, crepe mix, and shortbread cookie mix.

Earlier this week we reported that Meghan was due to attend a charity event in Los Angeles tomorrow, but the bash has been cancelled due to ongoing unrest in the city. The Duchess was scheduled to be the guest of honour at the Museum of Natural History in LA, where she was expected to give a speech about her extensive charity work.

However, as the streets of LA continue to be occupied by protestors facing off against ICE officers, organisers postponed the black-tie Night of Wonder event. Dr. Lori Bettison-Varga, President and Director of the Natural History Museum in LA, said in a statement: “As an institution ‘of, for, and with Los Angeles,’ our responsibility during challenging times is clear: to serve as a community resource focused on healing and unity, not celebration.”

“Los Angeles needs us to channel our energy toward supporting our neighbours and demonstrating the values that make our city and county strong,” her statement continued. The statement went on to clarify that the decision to indefinitely postpone the event was made by the museum’s Board of Trustees, leadership and event partners, who “unanimously agreed” that pausing the event was “the appropriate response to current community circumstances.”

Chief Advancement Officer Paul Bessire added: “We will find a future moment to celebrate our work. Until then, we will channel our energy towards being welcoming spaces for learning and discovery for everyone who walks through our doors.” The museum is expected to reschedule the event for a later date, and will continue with their daily operations and educational programs until the event is back in the calendar.

MADE In Chelsea star Alex Mytton has shared his devastation amid fears that his two friends have died in the Air India crash.

Alex, 33, has penned an emotional message after learning that Fiongal Greenlaw and Jamie Meek were believed to be on the doomed flight yesterday.

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Alex Mytton’s two friends are feared to have died in the Air India crashCredit: Instagram

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Fiongal Greenlaw and Jamie Meek were believed to have died onboard the plane

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The couple had attended Alex’s wellness retreatsCredit: Instagram
The couple, who are known for being wellness gurus, had been enjoying a holiday together in India and had be due to return to London.

Alex, who has hosted Fiongal and Jamie at his own retreats, has now spoken of his heartbreak in a message on Instagram.

Tagging in his girlfriend Helen Wood, Alex wrote: “A bit lost for words and feeling a tad emotionally exhausted so I just want to write a short message so as to get the message out.

“Our lovely friends Fiongal & Jamie were very sadly killed yesterday in the plane crash in India.

“There’s a lot more I want to say about them, as they were very close to @Hannah_woood & I’s heart but right now I just wanted to say that if anybody wants to meet up tomorrow if they’re feeling heavy, sad or just wanna hang out with some other humans I’m gonna be organising a little meet up & hug in the park or along the lines (sorry not making loads of sense atm).

“It feels like there’s a lot of sadness and pain at the moment and just wanted to do something as a vigil to our friends but also for everything else going on at the moment.

“So please if you’re feeling down or even just up for hanging out or just saying hey, it’ll be a bunch of us just chatting and chilling in the park.”

The Air India Boeing 787 Dreamliner with 242 passengers on board – including 53 Brits – smashed into a doctors’ hostel in Ahmedabad in the west of India yesterday.

The plane was headed to London Gatwick when it crashed just moments after take-off.

Brit man, Ajay Kumar Vishwash, 40, cheated death after jumping off the flaming jet – walking away with minor injuries. He is believed to be the sole survivor of the catastrophe.

Earlier this year, the wellness brand founded by 39-year-old Fiongal and Jamie, 45, was promoted on This Morning.

Fiongal appeared on the ITV daytime show earlier this year.

Dermot O’Leary and Alison Hammond paid tribute to the couple at the start of Friday’s episode.

Dermot explained that Fiongal “appeared on This Morning twice this year” adding: “We loved his energy that he brought to the studio.

“Fiongal was on board the plane with his husband.”

Dermot then spoke about how the couple shared videos online before they are believed to have boarded the plane.

“Our thoughts and our prayers go to their loved ones and all those affected by this terrible tragedy.”

Former This Morning editor Martin Frizell has also shared a moving tribute.

Sharing a snap of Fiongal posing with Ben Shephard and Cat Deeley from the show online, Martin penned: “So so sad to hear that Fiongal Greenlaw Meek and his partner are reported to be among the passengers and crew killed today on board the Air India flight bound for Gatwick.

“I remember his visit to the studio in January, he was passionate about auras and although I’m a sceptical sort his vibrancy and sheer enthusiasm won folk over.”

He continued: “And I know for a fact that he hoped to use his appearance on This Morning to build his Wellness brand, he had a great future ahead of him.

“Thoughts are with his family and friends and those of his partner Jamie.”

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Alex and his girlfriend Helen Wood have arranged a vigilCredit: Instagram

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The Made In Chelsea star says he is ’emotionally exhausted’Credit: Instagram

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Alex and his girlfriend Helen were close to Fiongal and JamieCredit: Instagram

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The reality star found fame alongside his pal Jamie Laing on Made In ChelseaCredit: Channel 4

DISGRACED EastEnders star Jamie Borthwick’s job on the soap could be at risk after his disabled slur scandal.

The actor – who has played Jay Brown for 19 years on the BBC soap – was suspended by bosses after he was filmed using a sickening slur while backstage at Strictly Come Dancing.

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Jamie Borthwick’s EastEnders job ‘at risk’ over disabled slur scandalCredit: Getty

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The star has played Jay Brown for 19 yearsCredit: BBC
He issued a grovelling apology to The Sun on Sunday but now sources say it may not be enough to bring the matter to a close.

While Jamie’s suspension isn’t believed to have had a drastic effect on filming schedules or re-writes, it has put a question mark in the industry over his job at the soap.

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 consquently 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 sent shockwaves behind the scenes at the BBC soap’s Elstree-based set last weekend when The Sun On Sunday revealed a video had emerged of him on the set of the dance show last year.

In it, he was seen using the term “m********s” to describe the people of Blackpool, the seaside town where the show was being filmed for its annual special.

Jamie made the shameful remark while the Strictly cast were at the Blackpool Tower Ballroom last November.

The footage – which was sent to a pal – shows him backstage during rehearsals alongside co-star Wynne Evans, who was recently sacked by the BBC.

The pair were excited to learn they had been selected for the Strictly tour, which toured the country earlier this year.

Jamie is then seen laughing, before saying: “Blackpool by the way. Absolute m********s.”

The BBC suspended him from the soap while they investigate the matter.

They said in a statement: “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.”

Jamie apologised saying: “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.

“When I made the video, I was excited and caught up in the moment. Again, that is no excuse. But my regrettable actions are not a true reflection of my views, or who I am.

“I enjoyed every minute of my time in the Blackpool Tower Ballroom and the town itself. The people of Blackpool have always been amazing with the Strictly crew, dancers and cast members.

“I know they will be again for this year’s show and those in years to come. I am truly sorry.”

EastEnders has been contacted for comment.

‘Our thoughts and our prayers go to their loved ones’

This Morning has paid tribute to a guest today who is believed to have died in the Air India crash.

Fiongal Greenlaw, 39, and husband Jamie Meek, 45, are thought to have been passengers on the flight to London that crashed on Thursday (June 12) after departure.

Fiongal appeared on This Morning back earlier this year, talking about his wellness brand, which he founded with his husband Jamie.

Following the news of the tragic crash, the ITV show has paid tribute to Fiongal.

Tributes have poured in (Credit: ITV)

This Morning today: ITV show pays tribute to former guest

On Friday (June 13) This Morning returned to screens with Alison Hammond and Dermot O’Leary back at the helm. At the start of the show, the hosts paid tribute to Fiongal.

Dermot said: “Fiongal appeared on the show twice this year. We loved his energy that he brought to the studio.”

“Fiongal was onboard the plane with his husband Jamie. The couple posted videos online about the flight just before boarding.

“Our thoughts and our prayers go to their loved ones, and all those affected by this terrible tragedy.”

He appeared on This Morning this year (Credit: ITV)

Former This Morning editor also paid tribute

Former This Morning editor Martin Frizell also issued a tribute to Fiongal.

Taking to Instagram, he shared a photo of Fiongal in the studio with presenters Ben Shephard and Cat Deeley.

“So so sad to hear that Fiongal Greenlaw Meek and his partner are reported to be among the passengers and crew killed today on board the Air India flight bound for Gatwick,” Martin said in the caption.

What else did Martin say?

Reflecting on Fiongal’s visit to the show, Martin continued: “I remember his visit to the studio in January, he was passionate about auras and although I’m a sceptical sort his vibrancy and sheer enthusiasm won folk over.”

He added: “And I know for a fact that he hoped to use his appearance on This Morning to build his Wellness brand, he had a great future ahead of him.”

Martin concluded his tribute: “Thoughts are with his family and friends and those of his partner Jamie.”

Air India crash

Only one of 242 people on board the London-bound flight died this week, when it crashed into a residential area in Ahmedabad  shortly after taking off.

According to Air India, there were 169 Indian nationals, 53 Britons, seven Portuguese nationals, and one Canadian among the victims on board the flight leaving the northwestern Indian state of Gujarat. The sole survivor, British national Vishwashkumar Ramesh is recovering in hospital with his brother saying he “has no idea” how he made it.