FORMER EastEnders star Jamie Borthwick has shared a glum Christmas message after being sacked from the soap.

The 31-year-old was sensationally axed from the BBC One show after 19 years in September following a suspension three months prior.

He’s been largely absent from social media since being fired but took the opportunity to wish his followers a merry Christmas over the festive period.

Sharing a black and white photo of himself attempting to smile with a Christmas hat on, he said: “Wishing everyone a merry Christmas and let’s hope for a slightly better 2026 for us all xx.”

He joined the soap as Jay Brown in 2006 and was one of the longest-serving cast members after nearly two decades on Albert Square.

Jamie was suspended in June after The Sun on Sunday revealed a video of him using a severely derogatory term.

In it, he was seen using the term “m********s” to describe the people of Blackpool, the seaside town where the show was being filmed for its annual special.

Jamie made the shameful remark while the Strictly cast were at the Blackpool Tower Ballroom last November.

The footage – which was sent to a pal – showed him backstage during rehearsals alongside co-star Wynne Evans.

The pair were excited to learn they had been selected for the Strictly tour, which toured the country earlier this year.

Jamie is then seen laughing, before saying: “Blackpool by the way. Absolute m********s.”

He issued a grovelling apology to The Sun on Sunday but sources said his job was at risk.

At the time, disability charity Scope also called for Borthwick to undergo “awareness training.”

A source said then: “Jamie is well thought of but Jay hasn’t played a central role in the show for a while.

“The character hasn’t had a major storyline recently – he’s been very much a supporting character of late.

“Meanwhile Jamie has been kept busy outside of EastEnders by being given the Strictly Christmas special in 2023 and then the full series last year.

“But consequently on EastEnders he’s barely been seen with about 30 appearances on screen since last summer.

“And with a new boss in Ben Wadey who only recently took the helm and with the scandal taking place so soon into his tenure feeling is that Jamie’s place on the show could be at serious risk.”

BBC Studios confirmed his time was up on EastEnders in September and he wouldn’t be returning to the show that made him a star.

A spokesperson said: “We can confirm that Jamie Borthwick will not be returning to EastEnders. We do not comment on individual matters.”