Strictly Come Dancing star Jamie Borthwick is best known for playing Jay Brown on BBC’s EastEnders since 2006.
Jamie Borthwick has been a regular on screens since 2006, but his career began before he landed a role in EastEnders. The Strictly Come Dancing star was just 12-years-old when he made his first appearance as Jay Brown in the BBC soap.
But what many fans won’t know is that he had a number of jobs before securing a place in Albert Square, and he even worked alongside one of his EastEnders co-stars in the early days of his career.
Jamie’s first big TV appearance came in 2005 when he starred in Celebrate Oliver. The TV movie was hosted by EastEnders icon Shane Richie as BBC One celebrated Lionel Bart’s classic musical.
The soap star appeared as one of the orphan boys who were in the workhouse alongside Oliver. The same year, Shane bid farewell to the role of Alfie Moon after making his debut three years prior.
Jamie worked alongside Shane Richie before EastEnders (Image: BBC)
However, his return to the soap in 2010 meant he was reunited with Jamie and the duo have continued working together ever since. Jamie’s other acting credits include two minor roles in the popular comedy series Not Going Out, which boasts a star-studded cast including Lee Mack, Sally Bretton, Katy Wix and Hugh Dennis.
Jamie has been wowing the judges and audience on Strictly Come Dancing alongside his partner Michelle Tsiakkas. While Michelle, 29, has been on the BBC show since 2022, Jamie is her first celebrity partner.
Asked about being a core part of the 20th anniversary series, Michelle gushed: “It feels amazing. It is honestly a blessing to be here. It was a dream ever since I was six years old and still feels very surreal, but I’m very grateful every year for being here. I think it’s really exciting.
“This show has been on for 20 years, and that just shows what an amazing show it is. I mean, it’s been successful for that long for a reason; it’s the nation’s favourite show.”
Jamie is partnered with Michelle Tsiakkas on Strictly (Image: BBC)
Jamie and Michelle have already performed the Viennese Waltz, Rumba and Quickstep, while Saturday night (October 12) saw them take on the Salsa to ‘Danza Kuduro’ by Don Omar and Lucenzo.
One more celebrity will be eliminated during tonight’s brutal results show. Last week, it was Toyah Willcox who said goodbye to the ballroom. The 80s singer found herself in the bottom two for the second time, this time up against Paul Merson.
Toyah, 66, addressed her departure in an emotional statement, writing: “Thanks for all your support, it’s been a great ride. Thank you to the entire Strictly team for one of the most exciting experiences of my life, and Neil you are my rock xxx.”
