PARTING WORDS EastEnders’ Balvinder reveals axed co-star Jamie Borthwick’s advice ahead of Strictly debut
AS she gears up for her debut on Strictly Come Dancing, actress Balvinder Sopal has revealed the advice her former co-star, Jamie Borthwick has given her.
Jamie, 31, was axed from EastEnders this week after previously being suspended following his use of a disabled slur while competing on Strictly last year.
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The long-running series will be back on our screens in a matter of days, with a new crop of famous faces including Balvinder, 46, taking to the dancefloor.
Ahead of her first dance, the BBC One star told The Sun: “We’ve had brilliant people come on the show, absolutely. But I’m not thinking about anybody else’s shoes but my own. You can get some advice though. And I have done and they’ve been really supportive and wonderful.
“Emma Barton, Scott Maslen, Jamie Borthwick. Everybody has said just enjoy it because it goes so quickly. And drink lots of water, have your vitamins, magnesium, sleep, rest when you can. So yeah, just enjoy it.”
After nearly two decades of playing Jay Brown on Albert Square, it was revealed that Jamie has been let go from the soap and his time was up.
BBC Studios confirmed the news with a spokesperson revealing: “We can confirm that Jamie Borthwick will not be returning to EastEnders. We do not comment on individual matters.”
The actor was suspended back in June after The Sun on Sunday revealed a video of him using a severely derogatory term.
He issued a grovelling apology to The Sun on Sunday but sources said his job was at risk.
At the time, disability charity Scope also called for Borthwick to undergo “awareness training.”
A source said: “Jamie is well thought of but Jay hasn’t played a central role in the show for a while.
“The character hasn’t had a major storyline recently – he’s been very much a supporting character of late.
EastEnders airs shock exit as vile truth about Suki Panesar is exposed
“Meanwhile Jamie has been kept busy outside of EastEnders by being given the Strictly Christmas special in 2023 and then the full series last year.
“But consequently on EastEnders he’s barely been seen with about 30 appearances on screen since last summer.
“And with a new boss in Ben Wadey who only recently took the helm and with the scandal taking place so soon into his tenure feeling is that Jamie’s place on the show could be at serious risk.”
Jamie joined the show back in 2006 and has been involved in some big storylines over the years, most recently dealing with the aftermath of losing his wife, Lola Pearce (Danielle Harold) to a brain tumour.
Strictly Come Dance 2025 lineup
Strictly Come Dancing news and the latest line up
- Nitro from Gladiators will be showing off his dance moves on this year’s show.
- Doctor Who and ER star Alex Kingston has signed up.
- Chris Robshaw, former Harlequins and England rugby captain.
- Eastenders actress Suki Panesar, has moved from Walford to the ballroom.
- Neighbours legend Stefan Dennis has been confirmed.
- George Clarke, a YouTube star, joins Strictly.
- Dani Dyer, joins with previous dancing experience.
- La Voix is the first drag star to join the main series
- Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink swaps is football boots for dancing shoes.
- Ellie Goldstein became the first contestant with Down’s Syndrome to take part.
- Thomas Skinner is swapping the boardroom for ballroom dancing
- I’m a Celeb winner Vicky Pattison has been announced.
- Emmerdale actor Lewis Cope was announced as the last contestant.
- Game of Thrones star Kristian Nairn pulled out of the show before the launch date over medical reasons.
The new series of Strictly kicks off next weekend with 15 new celebrities hoping to go all the way and lift the Glitterball trophy.
Balvinder is following in the footsteps of several EastEnders stars who have competed on the competition series over the years, including Letitia Dean, Jessie Wallace and Kellie Bright.
She joined EastEnders in 2020 as matriarch Suki Panesar and has already become one of the most-cherished characters on the show, famously being a part of The Six storyline in 2023.
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