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JAMIE BORTHWICK HAS OPENED UP ABOUT WHY HE HAS DECIDED TO EMBRACE NEW CHALLENGES 09:39, 25 Dec 2023 One of the most well-known stars of EastEnders has opened up about the heartbreaking

reason he decided to star on the Strictly Christmas special. Jamie Borthwick, who has played Jay Brown on the soap since 2006, said he has shunned celebrity appearances but after a tricky

year, he has decided to embrace new challenges, Mirror Online reports. “I decided I need to stop saying ‘no’,” says Jamie. “And lo and behold, Strictly rang! I thought, ‘What a perfect

example to put that into practice.’ "So I said ‘yes’! And what’s more festive than the Christmas special? I’m saying ‘yes’ to things much more now.” READ MORE: ELLIE LEACH AND VITO

COPPOLA SAY 'THERE IS SOMETHING' AND ANNOUNCE PLANS FOR 2024 “I’ve never really felt comfortable being myself in front of a camera or on a show,” he continued. “I like to be an

actor hiding behind a character. "I like to keep myself out of the way, but obviously that is a detriment to yourself and you don’t get to experience great things, and meet people like

Nancy or all the other great people on Strictly. I thought, ‘You’ve just got to throw yourself into things like this.’” Article continues below One of the reasons Jamie wanted to try new

experiences is because his father Simon was diagnosed with cancer this year. He said: “Things like that nudge you and you go, ‘You’ve got one life, just live it.’ "There are going to be

bad days, there are going to be plenty for all of us, so while things are good, just live it.” He went on to say that he loved his Strictly experience. He said: "I’m on a bit of a

downer now filming is over. "We had such a good laugh and everyone at Strictly makes such a lovely team. It was a great experience to learn something new and Nancy’s such a great

teacher. I’ve gained a special friend so it was a win-win all round.” Now Nancy, 32, who partnered Les Dennis this year, wants Jamie to sign up for the full series. “He’s amazing to work

with and amazing to spend time with,” she says. Article continues below "Training with Jamie made me such a happy girl. It was like an early Christmas gift from Strictly. It would be

amazing if he could join the show.”