Who is Strictly Come Dancing contestant Jamie Borthwick? Eastenders’ Jay Brown confirmed as BBC ballroom dance show star

JAMIE Borthwick is a British actor famous for playing Jay Brown on EastEnders.

The award-winning star is set to appear on this year's Strictly Come Dancing.

Who is Jamie Borthwick?

Jamie Borthwick is a British actor from Barking, London.

He is best known for his role as Jay Brown on EastEnders, a part he has played since 2006.

Jamie began acting at a young age and has earned recognition for his work.

He won the British Soap Award for Best Young Actor in 2009 and the Inside Soap Award for Best Young Actor in 2008.

When will Jamie Borthwick appear on Strictly Come Dancing 2024?

Jamie has signed up to compete in this year's Strictly.

Jamie, 30, who has starred in the BBC soap for 18 years, was paired with pro Nancy Xu.

It is not known who will be his partner in the autumn.

A TV insider said: “Although an EastEnders actor is on Strictly every year, this is the first time a performer on the festive special has gone directly into the competition.

“Producers and viewers were blown away by Jamie’s dancing.

"It’s not clear yet whether he will take a break from the soap or if he’ll juggle dance rehearsals with doing scenes for the soap.”

Has Jamie Borthwick appeared on Strictly Come Dancing before?

Jamie won the Strictly Come Dancing festive special.

The star triumphed in last year's Christmas Day Strictly episode with his professional partner Nancy Xu, 32, after they impressed the judges with their Quickstep. 

He said he was overcome to have won the Glitterball trophy, beating Sugababes singer Keisha Buchanan, rugby player Danny Cipriani, historian Dan Snow, newsreader Sally Nugent and actress Tilly Amartey.

Head judge Shirley Ballas told Jamie: “If I could jump over this bar and quickstep around the room I would do it with you! I don’t have a paddle high enough for you.”

added: “Jamie you slayed me darling, you were Fab-U-Lous.”

Speaking after his win, Jamie said: “This is great, it’s been a wonderful experience, but we’re all winners here. This show is magic.”

Who does Jamie Borthwick play on EastEnders?

Jamie has been playing the role of Jay Brown on EastEnders for almost two decades.

First introduced as a wayward preteen, Jay has been through many life-changing events throughout his long stint.

This includes the death of his father Jase (Stephen Lord) and many years later, losing his wife Lola (Danielle Harold) to a brain tumour.

Jay's storylines have included being led to believe he had fathered a child with sex worker Nadine (Jazzy Phoenix).

Stevie Mitchell (Alan Ford) later exposed Nadine's lies, having caught her readjusting her fake baby bump - and using money Jay gave her for "the baby" on a flat deposit instead.

What health challenges is Jamie Borthwick has faced?

Jamie has bravely opened up about attending therapy as part of his personal health battle.

The star revealed that he's a hypochondriac.

EastEnders fans have watched on as Jay (Jamie's on-screen character) and Honey Mitchell (Emma Barton) have trained to run the London Marathon in memory of his ex TV wife, Lola Pearce (Danielle Harold), who died of a brain tumour last year.

Jamie recently revealed that his father, Simon and his uncle, Charlie, were both diagnosed with the disease, while his cousin is also undergoing treatment.

Speaking about his own underlying health battles in an interview with The Mirror, the 29-year-old said: "I have terrible health anxiety, I'm a massive hypochondriac. Every day, I wake up and go, 'What's wrong with me today?’

"The therapy sessions have really helped me, but I don't think these things ever fully leave you."

The BBC star admitted to breaking down in tears after learning that his father was diagnosed with prostate cancer, but was relieved to discover the doctors had caught it early. 

The surgery went well, and Simon, 57, was given the all-clear. 

Jamie’s uncle also successfully recovered from the illness.

Is Jamie Borthwick in a relationship?

Jamie was previously rumoured to be dating his co-star Jazzy after they were pictured looking cosy.

He has made it clear that, despite rumours, he is not romantically involved with either of his co-stars - they are simply close friends.

The star also does not have any children.