'Gutted' Jamie Borthwick seen for first time since EastEnders axe on chaotic night out

Former EastEndersactorJamie Borthwick has been spotted for the first time since his departure from the BBC soap but his night out took a turn for the worse when his Mercedes broke down.

The 31-year-old, who played Jay Brown for nearly two decades, was seen dining with girlfriend Georgina Shave in London’s Mayfair before his car broke down and had to be towed away.

Despite the mishap, Georgina, who has stood by him through recent controversies, lifted his spirits with a kiss on the street. A witness told The Sun: "Jamie was gutted. Georgina cheered him up with a smooch."

After leaving a handwritten note on his windscreen apologising to parking wardens, the actor appeared to catch a lift home in the tow truck, while Georgina was left to take the bus.

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It marks Borthwick’s first public appearance since being dropped from EastEnders, ending his 19-year run as Jay Brown - a household character who was first introduced as a troubled teen.

Over the years, Jay was at the centre of some of the show’s most emotional storylines, including the death of his on-screen wife, Lola Pearce.

His exit from the series was quietly confirmed last month. The Mirror revealed that Borthwick had been axed from the soap after being suspended in June for using an offensive term to describe Blackpool residents while filming Strictly Come Dancing in the seaside town.

At the time, the BBC said the actor’s language was “entirely unacceptable and in no way reflects the values or standards we hold and expect”.

Borthwick later issued a public apology, saying: "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."

He had reportedly been due to return to filming after the suspension, but producers ultimately decided to write the much-loved character out of the BBC One soap after almost twenty years.

A BBC Studios spokesperson said: "We can confirm that Jamie Borthwick will not be returning to EastEnders. We do not comment on individual matters."

Fans only learned of his departure through an offhand reference in a September episode, when Lauren Branning told Peter Beale: "Jay, his grandad’s got sick, so he’s had to go and see him."

The Mirror has approached Jamie's representatives for comment.

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