EastEnders enthusiasts have responded to the apparent final moments of Jay Brown’s character. This comes after reports emerged over the weekend indicating that Jamie Borthwick, who has portrayed the role for 19 years, has been removed from the show.
Jamie, aged 31, has embodied the character of Jay on the BBC series since his debut in 2006. Earlier this year, he faced suspension for using an offensive term during his participation in Strictly Come Dancing last year. Despite rumors of his return this month, The Mirror disclosed on Saturday that Jamie will not be making a comeback to EastEnders. BBC Studios, the production entity behind the enduring show, officially confirmed his exit in a released statement.
According to RadioTimes, his purported final sequences have already been broadcast on the show. It is believed that these scenes aired on August 19, prompting reactions from EastEnders fans on various social media platforms.
In a recent episode, Jay and his step-daughter Lexi Pearce (portrayed by Isabella Brown) appeared outside the café, joining her grandfather Phil Mitchell (played by Steve McFadden) and Nigel Bates (portrayed by Paul Bradley) who were engaged in a conversation.
During the episode, Jay discussed the chickens introduced to Albert Square by Nigel’s wife Julie Bates (Karen Henthorn) upon her arrival. Subsequently, Jay was depicted tying one of Lexi’s shoelaces as Nicola Mitchell (played by Laura Doddington) observed.
In a dialogue about the chickens, Jay remarked, “Are they gonna be permanent? Only that cockerel’s a bit …” to which Phil responded, “Listen, chickens come with Nigel’s wife, so they stay here as long as she does.” Shortly after, Jay noticed Lexi’s untied shoelace and assisted her in fastening it on the street.
It is speculated that this scene marks Jay’s final appearance. Fans have expressed mixed reactions, with some expressing disbelief and others hoping for a different farewell for the character.
Jamie’s departure from the show was recently confirmed by BBC Studios. In a statement to The Mirror, it was stated, “We can confirm that Jamie Borthwick will not be returning to EastEnders. We do not comment on individual matters.”
His suspension earlier in the year stemmed from his use of an offensive term while filming Strictly Come Dancing. Following the incident, Jamie issued a public apology expressing regret for his actions and acknowledging his lack of understanding of the derogatory term used.
The situation sparked criticism from various quarters, including the disability charity Scope, emphasizing the importance of respectful language and attitudes towards individuals with disabilities.
Overall, Jamie’s exit from EastEnders has garnered attention and stirred discussions among fans, marking the end of a long-standing portrayal on the beloved show.
