Eastenders star Jamie Borthwick has reportedly signed up for the new series of Strictly Come Dancing.
The 30-year-old actor is said to be preparing to put on his dancing shoes for the BBC competition which starts in September, having tried his luck last year when he won the Christmas special with professional dancer Nancy Xu.
According SunHe is hoping to follow in the footsteps of Bobby Brazier, who narrowly lost out to former Coronation Street star Ellie Leach in the Strictly final last year.
A source said: ‘Although an EastEnders actor appears on Strictly every year, this is the first time a performer from the festive special has taken a direct part in the competition.
‘Producers and viewers were impressed with Jamie’s dancing.
Eastenders star Jamie Borthwick has reportedly signed up for the new series of Strictly Come Dancing (pictured with dancer Nancy Xu at the Strictly 2023 Christmas special)
A source told The Sun that although an EastEnders actor appears on Strictly every year, “this is the first time a performer from the festive special has gone straight into the competition.”
‘It is not yet clear whether she will take a break from the soap opera or whether she will juggle dance rehearsals and performing scenes for the soap opera.’
MailOnline has contacted the BBC for comment.
Jamie, who has starred in the soap for 18 years, could join other rumoured celebrities Nicola Roberts, Dave Fishwick, Chris McCausland, Gladiator Nitro, Coronation Street actress Helen Worth, Olympian Laura Kenny and 80s icon Toyah Willcox.
Strictly Come Dancing has been rocked by scandals of late as the series has been the scene of numerous complaints about professional Giovanni Pernice.
A male celebrity has joined the group of women complaining about his behaviour during his time on Strictly Come Dancing, according to reports.
Last month, it was confirmed that three women, including Amanda Abbington, had hired £700-an-hour lawyers at leading London law firm Carter Ruck to pursue claims against Giovanni and the BBC.
The BBC has launched an investigation after the dancer, 33, was accused of “threatening and abusive behaviour” while working with Amanda, 52, Good Morning Britain presenter Ranvir Singh, 46, and former Love Island presenter Laura Whitmore, 39, on the show – something he vehemently denies.
Despite the scandal, head judge Shirley Ballas has stood by the under-fire pro and will team up with him to host a series of dance classes in London this month.
The actor is said to have impressed producers and wowed viewers with his performance in last year’s Christmas special.
Jamie, who has starred on the soap for 18 years, plays Jay Mitchell and it is not known whether he will take a break from the soap or juggle dance rehearsals and filming.
Strictly has been rocked by scandals of late, with the series seeing a number of complaints about professional Giovanni Pernice (pictured with dance partner Amanda Abbington in October 2023).
Despite the scandal, head judge Shirley Ballas has stood by the under-fire pro and will team up with him to host a series of dance classes in London this month.
The one-day event, called Ballando, is led by Shirley, Giovanni and Anton Du Beke, who share their experience with fans.
In the latest twist to the bitter legal battle, the unnamed star, who worked with Giovanni during his time on the show, is said to have shared his experiences with the law firm.
“After three women came forward, a man joined their ranks. He personally reached out to the women at the heart of this unfolding crisis, offering them his full support and backing,” a source said. Sun.
“He’s also been in touch with Carter Ruck and has shared what he knows and his experiences. Those experiences have been very difficult at times.”
Giovanni has counterattacked by hiring rival law firm Schillings. His case is being handled by Joelle Rich, 39, who represented Johnny Depp in his 2020 defamation trial.