EastEnders star Jamie Borthwick suspended by BBC for ‘disabled slur’ in latest Strictly scandal
EastEnders star suspended after slur on Strictly set
- Eastenders actor Jamie Borthwick has been suspended by the BBC after using a disabled slur in a phone video while on the set of Strictly Come Dancing in Blackpool last November.
- The BBC has stated that Borthwick's language is "entirely unacceptable" and does not reflect the values of the BBC.
- Warren Kirwan, media manager at disability equality charity Scope, condemned Borthwick's language, stating that such attitudes have wider negative consequences for disabled people.
- This incident follows Wynne Evans' recent departure from BBC Radio Wales after he used "inappropriate language" during the launch of the Strictly Come Dancing tour.
- Evans stated that the comment was a nickname for fellow contestant Borthwick, and was not sexual or directed at one of the female cast.