A Sudden End After Nearly Two Decades

EastEnders fans were stunned when news broke that Jamie Borthwick, who played Jay Brown for 19 years, had been axed from the long-running BBC soap. His dismissal followed a controversy that spilled outside of Albert Square, leaving viewers to wonder how such a pivotal character’s story would conclude.

The BBC confirmed Jamie’s departure over the weekend, releasing a short statement: “We can confirm that Jamie Borthwick will not be returning to EastEnders. We do not comment on individual matters.” With that, one of the show’s most familiar faces exited the Square without the dramatic send-off many fans had expected.

Jay Brown’s Quiet Goodbye

Instead of an explosive finale, Jay Brown’s final scene was understated. Viewers saw him tying the shoelaces of his 13-year-old stepdaughter, Lexi Pearce, in the market. Nicola Mitchell quietly watched the moment unfold. That was it — no fiery confrontation, no heartbreaking farewell, just an ordinary slice of life.

Fans immediately took to social media to share their reactions, with some mocking the low-key nature of the goodbye. Edited clips circulated online with Julia’s Theme — the iconic soft piano version of the show’s theme tune — laid over the scene for comic effect. For many, the exit felt anticlimactic compared to Jay’s nearly two-decade-long presence in Walford.

The Scandal That Sparked His Exit

The controversy surrounding Jamie’s departure began earlier this year when a video surfaced of him using a derogatory slur about disabled people while filming for Strictly Come Dancing. The revelation led to his suspension and an eventual ban from Albert Square in June.

Jamie issued a public apology to The Sun on Sunday, expressing regret for his actions. However, the damage was already done. Disability charity Scope also weighed in, calling for Borthwick to undergo “awareness training.” Behind the scenes, the mood shifted, and his position on the soap grew increasingly uncertain.

A Career Overshadowed

For much of the past year, Jamie’s on-screen presence had already dwindled. He appeared in roughly 30 episodes since last summer, a sharp decline for a character once at the heart of some of the soap’s most emotional storylines. Sources claimed that new executive producer Ben Wadey, who took over the reins recently, felt the scandal left little choice but to let Borthwick go.

One insider said: “Jamie is well thought of, but Jay hasn’t had a central storyline for a while. With the controversy erupting so soon into the new boss’s tenure, his place on the show was always going to be at serious risk.”

Fans React With Mixed Emotions

The reaction from fans has been divided. Some expressed disappointment that Jay’s exit lacked the drama befitting a character with such a long history in Walford. Others felt the simple goodbye was fitting, given how Jay had recently taken a backseat in major storylines. Still, many agreed the departure was overshadowed by real-world controversy rather than strong narrative closure.

What Comes Next for Jamie Borthwick?

Outside of EastEnders, Jamie had been expanding his career. He appeared in the Strictly Come Dancing Christmas special in 2023 and later joined the full series. While his future in television remains uncertain, his departure from Albert Square marks the end of a defining era in his career.

For now, Jay Brown’s chapter has quietly closed, leaving fans to reflect on a character who grew up before their eyes — and on an exit that will be remembered as much for its controversy as for its understated simplicity.