BBC Strictly Come Dancing's Jamie Borthwick unveils hidden struggle during competition

Strictly It Takes Two: Jamie Borthwick comforts Michelle Tsiakkas

EastEnders actor Jamie Borthwick has candidly revealed his behind-the-scenes struggles during his stint on Strictly Come Dancing.

The soap star, who graced the dance floor in the latest series of the BBC hit show, was paired with professional dancer Michelle Tsiakkas. Their chemistry was palpable, and Jamie quickly charmed viewers with his impressive moves.

Despite having previously won the Strictly Christmas special in 2023 alongside Nancy Xu, he was eliminated in 10th place.

Balancing his role as Jay Brown on EastEnders with the demands of Strictly proved challenging, especially since both sets are conveniently located near each other.

In a chat with The Mirror, Jamie admitted that he encountered a number of highs and lows throughout the competition and revealed that the week he was eliminated was "a very difficult week."

Jamie Borthwick was eliminated from Strictly after week 10 (Image: BBC)

Speaking on the intensity, he recalled: "If we had have got through that week, it would have been next to impossible. We made the best out of it, we worked so hard together and we got through it."

Now, Jamie is set to join the Strictly Come Dancing Live tour with Michelle and fellow stars, opting to take a break from EastEnders to fully commit to the tour.

Amidst ongoing speculation about a romantic connection with Michelle, Jamie disclosed their enduring friendship post-Strictly, saying: "We haven't left each others side since we got out. I haven't missed her because we have spoke everyday.

"Michelle is an amazing dancer, she is an amazing teacher. Strictly are very lucky to have her. Whoever is her partner next year, they don't know it yet, but I don't like them whoever they are."

Jamie Borthwick stars as Jay Brown in EastEnders (Image: BBC)

In a previous interview with The Express, Jamie shared why he dished on why instantly shut down all dating rumours fuelled by their intimate performances.

"They're tried to do it with us but I very firmly put it to bed," he said as Michelle added: "We do have amazing chemistry but he's like my brother," to which the actor turned to the pro and agreed: "She's like my sister."

Opening up on their instant connection, Michelle continued: "I think chemistry is something that you either have or you don't. Either you find it very easy to talk or be around someone or not."

Ahead of their elimination, the EastEnders star added: "We're enjoying it so much. We're enjoying being together, we've got a good relationship and we want it to continue."