Sharon Marshall, known to This Morning viewers as the Queen of Soaps, has paid tribute to sacked EastEnders star Jamie Borthwick following his shock axing

Sacked EastEnders star Jamie Borthwick has been hailed as a ‘supremely talented actor’ by Sharon Marshall following his shock axing from the BBC soap. It was confirmed this week that the star, 31, will not be returning to his role as Jay Brown after nearly 20 years on screen and scriptwriter Sharon, who is known to This Morning viewers as the Soaps Queen, has now paid tribute to him.

The journalist, 53, was back during her usual place on the ITV magazine show to discuss all the goings-on in EastEnders, Hollyoaks, Coronation Street and Emmerdale with Cat Deeley and Ben Shephard and felt that she had to address the sudden exit of the long-serving actor.

She said: “He’s the most supremely talented actor and it was a complete pleasure to write for him. I look forward to seeing him back on screen.”


Sharon is looking forward to seeing what Jamie does next (Image: ITV)

The initial announcement, which came from the BBC, was unexpected, especially since earlier this month, it was reported that Jamie would be returning to the show just three months after being suspended for using a derogatory term about disabled people.

The suspension news broke in June, six months after Jamie appeared on Strictly Come Dancing. The incident reportedly occurred during the BBC dance show’s live episode filmed at the Blackpool Tower Ballroom as part of the 22nd series.

Viewers at home were quick to comment on what Sharon had said, and speculated that she was ‘not happy’ about the whole thing to begin with.

One said: “Well said Sharon, ridiculous Jamie Borthwick has lost his job/career over the very poor taste language an apology & suspension should’ve been enough,” and another added: “Sounds like Sharon Marshall isn’t happy about Jamie Borthwick being sacked!”

It comes after Jamie was suspended in June for using an offensive term for people with disabilities to describe Blackpool residents while filming Strictly in the seaside town.

The BBC said at the time that his language, caught in a clip on a phone, was “entirely unacceptable and in no way reflects the values or standards we hold and expect”.


Jamie had starred as Jay Brown on EastEnders for nearly 20 years (Image: BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron)

Jamie was reportedly set to return to set this month to recommence filming after the suspension. The BBC did not comment on speculation at the time but said in a statement that “each case is always considered on its own facts”, adding: “We are very clear on our expectations that inappropriate behaviour and language will not be tolerated.”

But bosses have now shown the actor the door. Jamie, who joined the soap in 2006 and won a British Soap Award for best dramatic performance from a young actor at age 13 plus an Inside Soap Award for best actor, issued a public apology after making the slur.

He said in June: “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 am truly sorry.”