EastEnders star Jamie Borthwick has been suspended by BBC bosses after using a “disabled slur” while competing in Strictly Come Dancing.

Jamie Borthwick has been suspended by the BBC (Image: BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron)

Jamie Borthwick has been suspended by the BBC after allegedly using a disabled slur on the set of Strictly Come Dancing. The EastEnders star, 30, apologised for causing “any offence and upset” after using the offensive word to describe locals in Blackpool. The actor, famed for playing Jay Brown on the BBC soap, is believed to have referred to the people of Blackpool as “m********s”. A video of this was subsequently sent to the BBC, who have since suspended Jamie from the show. In a statement given to The Sun on Sunday, Jamie expressed regret for using the phrase, stating: “I want to apologise sincerely and wholeheartedly for the words I used in the video showing my reaction to making it through Blackpool week on Strictly. I am deeply sorry for any offence and upset my words and actions have caused.”

He continued: “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. When I made the video, I was excited and caught up in the moment. Again, that is no excuse. But my regrettable actions are not a true reflection of my views, or who I am. I enjoyed every minute of my time in the Blackpool Tower Ballroom and the town itself. The people of Blackpool have always been amazing with the Strictly crew, dancers and cast members.”

Jamie made the remark during his time on Strictly Come Dancing (Image: PA)

The TV star added: “I know they will be again for this year’s show and those in years to come. I am truly sorry.”

Disability charity Scope has slammed the remarks, deeming them “ignorant and hurtful”, adding: “Attitudes and language like this are never acceptable.”

Blackpool Council’s Conservative leader Paul Galley blasted: “Everyone will be shocked at such a horrible comment and I join them in condemning it.”

When approached for comment, the BBC said: “This language is entirely unacceptable and in no way reflects the values or standards we hold and expect at the BBC. We have robust processes in place for this.”

It is understood that the footage was captured whilst Jamie was at the Blackpool Tower Ballroom, when he was practising for the show back in November.

Jamie expressed regret for using the phrase as he issued a public apology (Image: Getty)This incident isn’t the first time BBC chiefs have been forced to take action against a Strictly star. Jamie and his co-star Wynne Evans were reprimanded by producers for cracking an inappropriate gag about a sex toy video during the Birmingham leg of the Strictly tour back in April.

According to The Sun on Sunday, footage obtained by the publication shows the two celebrities being seen with a sex toy backstage whilst they were on tour together.

“As soon as BBC executives were made aware of this shocking and ­immature footage being shared they formally addressed the issue and reminded the pair they had to act professionally,” a source told The Sun.

Jamie was partnered with professional dancer Michelle Tsiakkas when he took part in the latest series of the BBC programme.