Michelle Tsiakkas, who danced with Jamie Borthwick in Strictly’s twentieth anniversary collection, opened up in regards to the working relationship she had with the previous EastEnders star
Strictly Come Dancing star Michelle Tsiakkas has revealed what it was actually like partnering with Jamie Borthwick, earlier than his surprising dismissal by the BBC. Earlier this month, information broke that Borthwick, recognized for portraying Jay Brown in EastEnders and that includes in Strictly’s milestone twentieth collection, had been sacked from the enduring cleaning soap following a 19-year stint.
The BBC had beforehand suspended Borthwick for uttering a slur towards disabled folks while on the Strictly set, for which he subsequently issued an apology. In a resurfaced podcast look that includes the actor and his Strictly dance companion, Michelle revealed insights into their skilled partnership.
Throughout a chat on the Sunday Mirror’s Invite Solely podcast in 2024, Borthwick declared he’d developed a “implausible bond” together with his co-star, with Michelle concurring that she felt she’d “gained a extremely shut buddy”.
Michelle defined: “Once you undergo such an intense expertise collectively, you understand, there’s numerous strain, numerous work, so it is bodily and mentally tiring.”
She added: “You undergo numerous highs, you undergo numerous lows, and, you understand, every part in between. I believe that actually bonds you collectively and lets you perceive the opposite individual higher, you understand?
“Possibly greater than individuals who’ve recognized you for years, since you be taught a lot about that individual due to the extraordinary, brief expertise.”
When quizzed about what they’d found about each other all through the expertise, Michelle revealed she may “by no means be indignant” at him, as he constantly made her snigger and likened him to her “little brother”.
The skilled dancer went on to say they’d arrived at a stage the place she could possibly be “fully sincere” with him, explaining how they shared the identical work ethic while additionally having the ability to “have enjoyable”.
Concerning Borthwick’s EastEnders departure, a BBC Studios consultant had beforehand said: “We are able to affirm that Jamie Borthwick won’t be returning to EastEnders. We don’t touch upon particular person issues.”
In September, the Mirror revealed that Borthwick had been noticed showing “downcast and unshaven” while buying items from a neighborhood store close to his residence. It is understood he’d been notified of the choice round this era.
His suspension reportedly occurred after he used an offensive time period (allegedly captured in a telephone clip) about folks with disabilities to explain residents of Blackpool, whereas filming the dance competitors within the Lancashire city.
On the time of the incident, the BBC described the actor’s language as “completely unacceptable” and as not reflecting the “values or requirements we maintain and count on.”
In June, Borthwick launched an apology: “I’m deeply sorry for any offence and upset my phrases and actions have triggered. It’s no excuse, however I didn’t totally perceive the derogatory time period I used and its which means.
“That’s on me fully. Now I’m conscious, I’m deeply embarrassed to have used the time period and directed it in the best way I did. It was improper.”
He admitted that he’d been “excited” and “caught up within the second” on the time, however acknowledged that this was “no excuse”. Borthwick added that his “regrettable actions” weren’t a “true reflection” of his views or who he’s.
