EastEnders’ Jay Actor Jamie Borthwick Speaks Up About Rumours Surrounding Co-Star’s Dating Life

 

Jay Brown from EastEnders seems to have a tough time in the romance department. Yet, Jamie Borthwick, the actor behind Jay, finds himself frequently associated romantically with his fellow co-stars.

This year alone, speculations swirled around his possible relationship with former EastEnders co-star Danielle Harold. And when she departed, the gossip mill linked him with his new co-star, Jazzy Phoenix.

Now, as he gears up for the Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special, partnering with the stunning Nancy Xu, Jamie anticipates more rumours about his love life.

“First Jazzy, then Danielle,” he chuckles. “I half-expected them to link me with Nancy! Truth is, there’s no special lady at the moment. I’m just relishing the peace and quiet.”

Whilst enjoying Jazzy’s company, Jamie was adamant that their relationship felt more akin to that of siblings rather than romantic partners. “We had a great rapport,” he admitted. “Like brother and sister.”

Hinting at Nadine’s potential return to Walford, he teased, “Nadine departed quite abruptly, but they often return just as swiftly!”

This festive season, EastEnders viewers can anticipate Jamie receiving a heartfelt video message from Lola, recorded before her passing. In it, she reveals that he’ll be participating in next year’s London Marathon alongside Honey (played by Emma Barton).

In 2019, Jamie and Emma ran the London Marathon in support of Dementia Revolution, dedicated to their late co-star, Dame Barbara Windsor. While the finish line brought a sense of euphoria, Jamie admits the experience was incredibly challenging and remains etched in his memory.

“Jamie shares, ‘All we’re aware of at the moment is Jay receiving marathon shoes as a Christmas gift.’ Recollecting a marathon run in 2019, Jamie reflects, ‘It was incredibly tough. I faced significant knee issues. Towards the end, Emma and I were practically crawling, but the sense of achievement was immense.’

Participating in the Strictly Christmas Special has been a lifelong ambition for Jamie. Now, he aspires to compete in a full series. Historically, actors from EastEnders have excelled on the show. This season, Bobby Brazier reached the final, while former star Nigel Harman performed exceptionally until a rib injury compelled his departure in week 11. Previous series have seen Maisie Smith, Emma Barton, Jake Wood, Jessie Wallace, and Kellie Bright shine on the dance floor.

With a laugh, Jamie quips, ‘Where do I sign up?’ praising Nancy and the entire team for their excellence. ‘The show is pure magic.'”

Jamie is thoroughly delighted by his transformation courtesy of Strictly’s renowned glitzy costume department, expressing his joy with a beaming smile.

“It’s fantastic to be ‘Strictly-fied’,” he exclaims. “Once you’re committed, you’re all in. Bring it on! Honestly, it was brilliant. I absolutely adored it.”

When it comes to other TV ventures, Jamie firmly dismisses the idea of participating in a jungle setting, even with a suitcase packed with £250 billion staring him down.

“I wouldn’t entertain the jungle for all the money in the world!” he asserts. “Even if offered £250 billion, my answer would remain a firm ‘no’. I’m not cut out for extended flights, the eating challenges, trials, and encountering various creatures… Being outdoors for that long isn’t my cup of tea. I don’t even fancy rice and beans…”

Instead, Jamie relishes the gritty, urban landscape portrayed in EastEnders and eagerly anticipates the surprises the scriptwriters have in store for his character, Jay.

“I’ve always found contentment there,” Jamie reflects. “I’ve desired to remain, and they’ve always been keen for me to stay. Until circumstances change, I’ll be staying put!”

Viewers can catch the Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special airing at 4.40pm on BBC1 this Christmas Day.