EastEnders star Jamie Borthwick has been suspended by the BBC after using a slur on the set of Strictly Come Dancing.

The actor, who plays Jay Brown on the BBC soap, took part in the 2024 season of Strictly, with the star making it to Blackpool week before becoming the ninth celebrity to be eliminated from the competition.

A video of Borthwick using an ableist term to describe the people of Blackpool during rehearsals last year has now emerged, prompting the BBC to take action and suspend the star.

“This language is entirely unacceptable and in no way reflects the values or standards we hold and expect at the BBC,” said a spokesperson for the BBC in a statement to The Sun. “We have robust processes in place for this.”

Borthwick also issued a statement, saying he wants to “apologise sincerely and wholeheartedly for the words I used in the video showing my reaction to making it through Blackpool week on Strictly”.

He continued: “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 know they will be again for this year’s show and those in years to come. I am truly sorry.”

Warren Kirwan, media manager at disability equality charity Scope, said: “Attitudes and language like this are never acceptable.

“It’s not just ignorant and hurtful to disabled people, it has wider consequences. Negative attitudes hold disabled people back in all areas of life, from getting a job to shopping on the high street.

“Mr Borthwick needs to reflect on what he said, educate himself and do better. We hope he takes the opportunity to get to know the reality of disabled people’s lives.”