Jamie Borthwick (EastEnders' Jay) interview

It's nearly four years since Jay Brown arrived in EastEnders to live with his grandad Bert. Now taken in by the Mitchells, LastBroadcast caught up with actor Jamie Borthwick to find out what the future holds for Jay.

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Jay’s got through quite a few parent figures during his time on the show (Bert, Jase, Dawn, Billy) - do you think Jay truly feels part of the Mitchell family now?

“Well, I think Jay really feels part of the Mitchell family as Billy has been a part of his life for a fair amount of time. Billy and Jay’s relationship has grown. Jay also looks up to Phil, who makes him feel more a part of the family. Yeah, he is truly a part of the Mitchell clan. Jay has become really integral to EastEnders, he has had a busy time with the stabbing, his dad showing up and then him dying. It’s really good as an actor to take on challenging storylines.”

Jay’s started spending more time with Phil lately - do you think Phil sees Jay as the son he wishes Ben was?

“I think Phil sees Jay as the perfect son as he is everything he wants Ben to be; leery, cocky, knows how to fight, etc. He is a tough kid and that is what Phil wants in a son, but he obviously loves his own son more than anything. Phil is happy spending time with Jay, getting to know him and what it is like having the son he always wanted.”

How does Billy feel about this new bond between Phil and Jay?

“Billy feels pure jealousy. He is the one that helped Jay, not Phil. He is the one that took Jay in, not Phil. He is the one that looked after Jay, not Phil. He is also disappointed in Jay.”

What’s Steve McFadden, who plays Phil, like to work with?

“Steve is really interesting to work with; I have learnt a lot from just watching him. He is very focused as an actor and great to work with.

Is it going to be odd with a new actor playing Ben when he returns from prison later this year?

“Obviously it will be different, but it’s just something you have to deal with in this game. I have really taken to Joshua [Pascoe], he is a nice guy, and we have a good rapport. I do miss Charlie [Jones], I haven’t seen him in ages and it would be really nice to catch up with him at some stage.”

Do you enjoy the boxing scenes?

“I do actually. I’m a boxer in real life and I’m close with Harry Holland, an extra on the show who is also a boxer. We always talk about boxing. I have learnt a lot from my trainer Ricky Nash; boxing lessons are like life lessons. What I have learned through boxing really takes me through life. To come to work and do bits of training is like going into a comfort zone for me.”

Did Lucy Beale ever find out that it was Jay who mugged her and will this be addressed when Lucy returns later this year?

“No, she didn’t find out, but I’m sure if it ever comes out Jay will be in for a good hiding!”

It’s nearly 4 years since you joined the show, what have been your favourite storylines?

“I liked the death of Jase storyline; it was really brilliantly acted by Perry [Fenwick, who plays Billy], who is a lovely fella. I also love the storylines where every new girl that comes in gets her knickers nicked by Jay!”

You’ve had a lot of gritty storylines, but you also get some really funny lines too. Do you enjoy acting comedy scenes and would you like to have any lighter storylines in future?

“I like doing the lighter storylines and throwing the odd funny line in, but I enjoy the transition to harder hitting stuff as I like to take on a challenge. I would actually like a bit of a darker storyline soon - it is nice as an actor as a change and I haven’t had that in a while.“

Can you give us any hints about what’s coming up for Jay?

“Jay and Ben are busy, there is lots going on there! Jay and Phil’s bond gets a bit stronger. I would like to see Jay get his first girlfriend actually!”

Last film you saw at the cinema:

“Toy Story 3, it was quite good actually.”

Last album you bought:

“Michael Bublé.”

Last TV show boxset you watched:

“Only Fools And Horses! It is my favourite; I know every word to every episode ever.”


Interviewed on 1st November 2010 by Will Martin.