Disability charity Scope said Borthwick should reflect on what he said and educate himself.
"We hope he takes the opportunity to get to know the reality of disabled people's lives,” said the organisation's media manager Warren Kirwan.
EastEnders star suspended over 'unacceptable' language
2025-06-08 05:00:08
Jamie Borthwick has played Jay Brown on Eastenders since 2006
Borthwick is said to have made the offensive remark on a phone video while backstage during rehearsals at the Blackpool Tower Ballroom.
He reportedly used the term to describe the people of the seaside town.
In his statement to the Sun on Sunday, Borthwick said: "I want to apologise sincerely and wholeheartedly for the words I used in the video showing my reaction to making it through Blackpool week on Strictly.”
He added: "It is no excuse, but I did not fully understand the derogatory term I used and its meaning.
"That is on me completely.
"Now I am aware, I am deeply embarrassed to have used the term and directed it in the way I did."
Jamie Borthwick took part in Strictly's 20th anniversary series