EastEnders fans cringe as BBC soap explains Jay Brown's exit after Jamie Borthwick axe

EastEnders are set to explain Jay Brown's disappearance in tonight's episode, which is already on BBC iPlayer. It comes after news Jamie Borthwick had been axed from the soap after 19 years in the role.

The 31-year-old, one of the hit show’s longest-serving cast members, was told his time in Albert Square was over, with the BBC confirming: “We can confirm that Jamie Borthwick will not be returning to EastEnders. We do not comment on individual matters.”

It comes after he was suspended from the BBC soap in June after using an offensive term for people with disabilities to describe Blackpool residents while filming Strictly Come Dancing.

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In tonight's episode, which is set to air on BBC One at 7.30pm, Lauren Branning can be heard explaining Jay's absence to her fiancé, Peter Beale. The pair are left fretting over their son Louis' birthday present, as Lauren tells Peter: “I’m here on my own ain’t I?"

“Jay, his grandad got sick so he’s had to go and see him," she continued. Nothing further was said, however, Jay's absence has now been explained after big storylines to come for his family.

It's been revealed that Max Bowden will be reprising his role as Ben Mitchell soon, as he attends Jonno Highway's funeral. It's not yet known whether he will find out about Callum and Johnny's affair, but if it does come out, it's set to have a big impact on Lexi.

Taking to X, formerly known as Twitter after watching the scenes air early on iPlayer, one fan penned: "right then..." along with a screenshot of the scene with Lauren and Peter.

Another wrote: "Omg I don’t even clock this was them explaining why Jay isn’t around, since his exit was so abrupt!" A third questioned: "Jay’s grandad is sick is he???"

"So that’s how they’ve written Jay out then," wrote another viewer.

At the time of the video of Jamie's suspension for using the the offensive, the BBC said 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”.

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.”

In June,the star issued an apology, as he said: “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.”

EastEnders airs Mondays to Thursdays at 7:30pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.

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