Jamie Borthwick isn’t the first EastEnders star to compete for the Glitterball on Strictly Come Dancing, and he won’t be the last, but he is one of few celebs who have graced the dance floor twice.
After winning the Strictly Christmas Special in 2023 alongside professional dancer Nancy Xu, 33, Jamie, 30, was invited back to the show for the 20th anniversary series, this time dancing with Michelle Tsiakkas, 29.
Although he and Michelle make an outstanding pair, he sat down with Closer to explain why there’s no risk of the Strictly curse striking this couple, and how he’s juggling the competition alongside filming EastEnders, in which he’s been a staple since 2006…
How are you managing training alongside your day job?
Thankfully, it’s not actually been that bad. Everyone at Strictly is so flexible. Dare I say this, but it’s actually going as smooth as clockwork. We’ve had no problems, so long may that continue.
Do you feel that you’re working harder than others because you’re in EastEnders as well?
It’s not just me working other jobs, Wynne [Evans, his Strictly co-star] does his radio show in the morning, for example. If anything, mine’s not that bad, because it’s literally filmed across the road. Strictly are great at helping me manage that. Paul Merson summed it up perfectly: ‘This ain’t community service, I don’t need to be here, I’m choosing to be here.’ So while I am here, I want to absorb every second of it. Yeah, I’m tired, and my muscles ache, but honestly, I can’t express enough how much of a fantastic environment this is. The people who work on this show are brilliant. Strictly is magic.
So many EastEnders stars have been on the show, have they given you any advice?
I’ve been speaking to James Bye [aka Martin Fowler, who appeared on Strictly in 2022] and he was like, ‘Look, if you haven’t got the routine by Thursday, don’t worry about it, just accept that maybe you’re not going to get the routine.’ Because Friday is not really rehearsal day – we come in and we do a tech run. If there’s a week where I’m really worried about the routine, him giving me that advice to just let it go is really good. Basically, just wing it on a Saturday.
Have you taken Michelle down to the EastEnders set?
We popped down to do a VT there, but it is on my list to get her there and show her around and try to get her on as my long-lost sister!
Do you think there are any budding romances backstage?
I haven’t recognised that yet. But with the old Strictly curse, you definitely ain’t got no worries about Michelle. She’s like a sister, mum and auntie all rolled into one. We’ve got sibling chemistry.
Wynne joked you’re a cheat for having already won the Christmas special – how do you feel when people make those comments?
You take whatever Wynne says with a pinch of salt. Camaraderie amongst this group is absolutely brilliant. We take the mickey out of each other and it’s all in jest – we’ve really got a nice group this year. So, when the reality of the competition hits, it’s like a member of our gang’s gone. It’s horrible.
How important is it to win?
It’d be lovely, but it’s not the be-all and end-all. Just to be asked to do it is great, and for the 20th anniversary is even better. I’ve lucked out, because I’ve got a fantastic partner, we get along like a house on fire. I’m lucky to be doing it with such a good group of people. There’s no negativity, it’s just a genuine group. I’ve heard people say, ‘I’m watching Strictly for the banter,’ which I think is brilliant. That’s what this show’s about, providing everyone with a bit of a laugh and escapism. I’m so pleased everyone’s playing their part in doing that, and doing it brilliantly.
Have you lost weight?
I’m eating everything, so I’ve actually put weight on. But I need so much energy!
So, are you having costume fittings on a Wednesday and by Friday having to let them out?
No, trying them on at three o’clock and having to let them out by five.
Are there any downsides to Strictly?
You don’t see anyone else. It’s literally dancing, home and bed. I’m a real socialite. I love being around my friends. Not having that, I’m out of the loop, I don’t know what’s going on in their lives.
