EastEnders air explanation for missing character’s permanent exit from the soap in early BBC iPlayer release

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EastEnders has finally shown Jay Brown leaving Walford in the show, after actor Jamie Borthwick’s departure was announced five months ago.

A BBC Studios representative told TopMob that Jamie Borthwick is leaving EastEnders and they don’t discuss specific employee situations.

Actor Borthwick, a cast member on the soap opera since 2006, was suspended in June after a video surfaced revealing him using offensive language towards people with disabilities while appearing on the show Strictly Come Dancing.

In September, a quick scene showed Lauren Beale (Jacqueline Jossa) overwhelmed with work at the car dealership, while Jay looked after his sick grandfather, Bert Atkinson (Dave Hill).

Later, during Christmas, family and friends shared that he was celebrating the holidays with a new partner.

Earlier this week, Lexi Pearce (played by Isabella Brown) received some upsetting news that left her future unclear. Viewers watched as she secretly put a brown envelope into her bag, visibly upset by what was inside.

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Today, Callum Highway noticed a shift in her mood. He figured it was because Nigel Bates was in the hospital and how that would affect her grandfather, Phil Mitchell.

The teen rushed off, and was later found reading a letter and holding a baby scan photo.

Billy Mitchell announced some major life changes: he’s moved away, gotten engaged, and is going to be a father. While his daughter, Lexi, is excited about becoming a big sister and visiting him when school isn’t in session, she admitted she misses how things used to be.

The men realized she was still well-loved by the residents of Walford, and they believed everyone would stay put.

Following his suspension, Borthwick issued an apology to The Sun, saying he was truly and deeply sorry for the language he used in a video reacting to surviving Blackpool week on Strictly. He expressed sincere regret for any offense or distress his words and actions caused.

I made a mistake and take full responsibility for using a hurtful term without realizing its offensive meaning. Now that I understand the harm it causes, I’m truly ashamed of my words and how I used them. It was wrong, and I apologize.

EastEnders airs Monday to Thursday at 7:30pm on BBC One and from 6am on BBC iPlayer.

Authors

Michael AdamsSoaps Editor

Michael Adams is the Soaps Editor at TopMob, providing the latest news and spoilers for popular British soap operas like Coronation Street, EastEnders, Emmerdale, and Hollyoaks. Before joining TopMob, he worked as a Soaps Reporter at Metro for two years and also gained experience working on the sets of Coronation Street and Emmerdale.

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2026-02-10 14:04