Jamie Borthwick is a celebrated English actor best known for his iconic portrayal of Jay Brown in the BBC soap opera EastEnders, a role he played from 2006 until August 2025. Born on June 23, 1994, in Barking, London, Borthwick rose to fame as a child star, winning a British Soap Award for Best Dramatic Performance by a Young Actor at just 14 years old. Outside of Walford, he is recognized for his success on Strictly Come Dancing, where he won the 2023 Christmas Special before competing in the main series in 2024. As of 2026, Borthwick remains a prominent figure in British pop culture, having recently transitioned away from long-term soap work following a 19-year tenure that established him as one of the show’s most enduring and respected performers.
Early Life and Sylvia Young Training
Jamie Simon Borthwick was born on June 23, 1994, in Barking, East London. He grew up in a supportive family environment with two younger sisters, Samantha and Charlee, and showed an early affinity for performing arts.
To hone his craft, Borthwick attended the prestigious Sylvia Young Theatre School, a renowned institution that has produced stars like Dua Lipa and Rita Ora. He balanced his early professional roles with his education there until the age of 16, a foundation that colleagues often cite as the reason for his technical precision and discipline on set.
Iconic Tenure as Jay Brown
Borthwick joined the cast of EastEnders in December 2006, debuting as the orphaned and troubled youth Jay Brown. Over the next two decades, the character evolved from a “wayward teen” into a mature, empathetic pillar of the Mitchell family and the wider Walford community.
His performance during the Lola Pearce brain tumor storyline in 2023 was widely regarded as his career-best work. Borthwick’s portrayal of a grieving husband garnered critical acclaim and led to several award wins, including Best Actor at the 2023 Inside Soap Awards.
Major Award Wins
In 2008, Borthwick won the British Soap Award for Best Dramatic Performance from a Young Actor, dedicated to his late grandmother. By 2023, he transitioned to adult categories, winning Best Actor at the Inside Soap Awards for his emotional range during the show’s most-watched episodes of the year.
Departure from Walford
After 19 years on the soap, Borthwick’s final appearance as Jay Brown aired on August 19, 2025. His departure marked the end of an era for the show, as he was one of the few remaining cast members to have grown up entirely on screen in front of the British public.
Success on Strictly Come Dancing
Borthwick’s charisma translated seamlessly to reality television when he joined Strictly Come Dancing. He first participated in the 2023 Christmas Special, where he and partner Nancy Xu achieved a perfect score of 40 for their Quickstep.
Following his holiday victory, he returned for the full 22nd series in 2024, partnered with Michelle Tsiakkas. The pair were a consistent hit with the judges, reaching the tenth week of the competition before being eliminated in a high-stakes dance-off against Montell Douglas.
Personal Life and Connections
Off-screen, Jamie Borthwick maintains a relatively private life in London, though he is known for his passionate support of West Ham United F.C. and his frequent participation in charitable events.
In a surprising twist fit for a soap opera, Borthwick discovered he was related to co-star Charlie Winter (who played Hunter Owen). The two actors found out they were second cousins shortly after Winter joined the cast, a coincidence they frequently joked about in interviews.
Practical Information and Career Planning
For those following Borthwick’s career or looking to revisit his work in 2026, the following details are essential.
Where to Watch: Almost two decades of Borthwick’s performances are available on BBC iPlayer via the EastEnders archive and Strictly Come Dancing 2024 highlights.
Social Media: Fans can follow his official updates on Instagram (@jamie_b10), where he shares behind-the-scenes content and personal milestones.
Filmography Highlights: Beyond soaps, his early work includes the television film Celebrate Oliver! (2005) and appearances in the sitcom Not Going Out.
Public Appearances: As of 2026, Borthwick is a frequent guest at National Television Awards (NTAs) and British Soap Award events.
Tips for Fans: His 2019 London Marathon run remains a popular topic; he ran the 26.2 miles in 5 hours and 23 minutes for the “Barbara’s Revolutionaries” team.
Seasonal Context: Spring 2026 Projects
In Spring 2026, Borthwick has been linked to several new stage productions in London’s West End, marking his first major theatrical pivot since leaving television. Industry insiders suggest he is seeking roles that depart from his “good guy” image, looking to utilize the dramatic range he cultivated during his nearly two decades in Walford. His transition is being closely watched as a benchmark for other long-term soap stars looking to diversify their portfolios.
FAQs
Who did Jamie Borthwick play in EastEnders?
He played Jay Brown (later Mitchell), a role he occupied from 2006 until 2025.
How old was Jamie Borthwick when he started acting?
He made his first television appearance in 2005 at the age of 11 and joined EastEnders at age 12.
Did Jamie Borthwick win Strictly Come Dancing?
He won the 2023 Christmas Special with Nancy Xu. In the main 2024 series, he reached the tenth week with Michelle Tsiakkas.
Is Jamie Borthwick related to Charlie Winter?
Yes, they discovered they are second cousins through their great uncle, a fact they only realized after becoming co-stars.
Why did Jamie Borthwick leave EastEnders?
After a 19-year tenure, his character was written out in late 2025 following a high-profile suspension and subsequent axing by the BBC.
What football team does Jamie Borthwick support?
He is a lifelong supporter of West Ham United F.C.
Did Jamie Borthwick run the London Marathon?
Yes, he ran the 2019 London Marathon to raise money for dementia research in honor of the late Dame Barbara Windsor.
What awards has Jamie Borthwick won?
His major wins include a British Soap Award (2008) and an Inside Soap Award for Best Actor (2023).
What school did Jamie Borthwick attend?
He attended the world-famous Sylvia Young Theatre School in London.
Is Jamie Borthwick currently on TV?
As of early 2026, he is primarily focused on theatre and guest appearances following his long stint on EastEnders.
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