Things are changing fast in EastEnders, and one long-running character has quietly slipped away. Jay Brown’s absence has finally been explained after weeks of silence. The soap addressed it in a short scene, but fans immediately knew this was the last we would see of him. After nearly two decades on the Square, Jay’s chapter has ended. Keep scrolling to learn more.

Jay’s Disappearance Gets a Brief Mention

In a recent episode, viewers finally learned why Jay was no longer around. The explanation came during a scene at the car lot. Lauren was visibly stressed, and that is when Peter walked in. She had judged everything on her own. Then Peter reveals to her that Louis’s birthday present has not arrived.

After hearing him, she becomes more anxious. She told him one of them had to go to the shop. Peter said he was busy. Then she told Jay that he had gone away because his granddad was sick. He felt bad that he couldn’t help. It is now confirmed that Jay has left Walford.

Jay got no farewell and no proper emotional goodbye. Fans were angry as there was no proper exit for a character who had given this soap 19 years of his life. His absence has been handled in the background. It reflects the difficult circumstances surrounding Jamie Borthwick’s sudden departure. Fans who have been following him since 2006 didn’t like the short explanation for such a major character.

EastEnders’ Jamie Borthwick’s Exit Confirmed

Jamie played Jay Brown’s character for nearly two decades. He was axed from the BBC soap earlier this year. However, he was soon permanently suspended after he used an abusive slur while filming for Strictly. Later, even BBC Studios confirmed that Jamie won’t be returning to the soap.

Jay’s final appearance on the soap would be a small moment in the market. His last scene was where he was tying Lexi Pearce’s shoelaces. And Nicola Mitchell was looking on. Fans did not like the lack of a proper send-off to one of the longest-running characters. So they mocked the scene online. They added Julia’s Theme in edited clips. Many of them felt that Jamie deserved more after being a part of it for so long.

Jamie wasn’t always in the spotlight, but fans liked him. His bond with Ben and Lexi stuck with people. They were upset he didn’t get an ending. Many thought he deserved better. They ended his storyline in just one line, where it is mentioned that he is visiting his grandfather.

The new executive producer, Ben Wadey, had to take such a difficult call so early in his tenure. Jamie was busy with other projects, including appearing on Strictly. So his screen time was limited. And that is one of the reasons why Jay’s role was smaller in recent times. However, for fans, it will be one of the most disappointing departures of a character.