Jay Brown actor Jamie Borthwick was axed from EastEnders last year and now several months on the BBC soap has shared a sad update
EastEnders has shared a sad update on Jay Brown following the axing of actor Jamie Borthwick.
Jay Brown, played by Jamie Borthwick, was a staple in Albert Square for 19 years before making an abrupt exit last year, leaving behind his teenage step-daughter Lexi Pearce (Isabella Brown).
The character was last seen on the soap tying Lexi’s shoelaces in the market during an episode that aired in August 2025. A month later, actor Jamie was axed from the BBC soap.
Jay’s on-screen absence was explained as him leaving Walford to care for a sick relative. Then, at Christmas, it was revealed he was spending the festive period with a new girlfriend.
A few weeks later, his family in the Square found out that Jay’s new girlfriend was pregnant. And in Monday’s episode (March 9), the soap shared yet another major update.
During the instalment, an emotional Lexi burst into the home of Phil Mitchell (Steven McFadden). A concerned Phil asked what was going on and Callum Highway (Tony Clay) explained.
He shared: “Jay phoned this morning, said he’s put the car lot up for sale.” Callum then added: “I think it’s starting to finally hit home that he ain’t coming back.”
In September, The Mirror reported that Jamie would not be returning to the soap, three months after facing suspension for allegedly using a derogatory slur about disabled people.
BBC Studios, the production house behind the East London drama series, stated: “We can confirm that Jamie Borthwick will not be returning to EastEnders. We do not comment on individual matters.”
The suspension story emerged in June, six months on from Jamie’s stint on Strictly Come Dancing 2024. The incident allegedly took place during the BBC dance competition’s live broadcast filmed at the Blackpool Tower Ballroom during the 22nd series.
Issuing an apology in July, Jamie expressed: “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.”
