'Surprisingly, I quite like the muscle aches'

Jamie Borthwick reveals how he juggles filming for EastEnders alongside long rehearsal days on Strictly

- KENZI DEVINE

After almost two decades in EastEnders, Jamie Borthwick knows Walford like the back of his hand. The same can’t quite be said for the Strictly dance floor, as he’s taken on a new challenge by joining this year’s series – though so far, he is certainly rising to the occasion.

“It’s going really well. It’s hard work, but it’s good,” says Jamie, 30, of his experience on the BBC competition, as he stops for an exclusive chat with new at the Pride Of Britain Awards.

With dance partner Michelle Tsiakkas by his side, it’s clear that Jamie – who plays Jay Brown on Albert Square – has formed a close bond with the professional, as they giggle together during our chat. “Yeah, he’s doing really well. He’s a good learner, my partner. Sometimes I need to get him off of his bum, but he’s good!” laughs Michelle.

“Oh! Normally, she says, ‘Oh, he’s amazing’ but today I’m just good – this is what it’s really like, it’s all coming out!” Jamie replies, as his partner adds mischievously, “Sometimes he wants to take a nap, when he shouldn’t!”

It’s obvious that Jamie and Michelle have developed a great rapport over the past few weeks as Jamie even gets in a few cheeky jibes about Michelle’s teaching techniques, “She doesn’t let me ask any questions!” he declares. Jokes aside, he assures us, “Nah, I’m messing. Michelle is amazing – and we are working really hard together.”