What Happened To Jay in EastEnders?
Jay Brown has quietly left EastEnders, with the show now confirming on screen that he’s started a new life away from Walford.
In recent episodes, Lexi received a letter from Jay explaining that he’s living in the north of England, engaged to a new partner, expecting a baby, and that she’ll soon be a big sister.
The idea is that Jay has moved on, built a new family, and will see Lexi during school holidays rather than returning to Albert Square full‑time.
The exit itself has all happened off‑screen. First, other characters mentioned that Jay had gone to care for his unwell grandfather. Later, at Christmas, it was said he was spending the holidays with a new girlfriend.
Finally, Lexi’s letter and the attached baby scan turned that loose explanation into a permanent goodbye, with Jay choosing to stay away while still staying in touch by post and visits.
A lot of fans have struggled with this, because it doesn’t really match the Jay they know – the man who promised Lola he’d always look after Lexi and who was deeply involved in her life.
For some viewers, the storyline feels too soft and distant, almost like the show is wrapping up a big character with a shrug.
But emotionally, the focus has been kept on Lexi: her sadness, her wish for things to go back to “Mum and Jay,” and the reassurance she still has Callum, Billy, and Phil around her, even if Jay is now part of her life from afar rather than on the Square every night.
Who played Jay Brown's character in EastEnders?
Jay Brown was played by Jamie Borthwick, who joined the soap in 2006 as a 12‑year‑old and stayed in the role for nearly two decades.
Over that time, he became one of the core faces of EastEnders, growing from a troubled teenager taken in by the Mitchells into a central character involved in major stories like Lola’s illness and death, his struggles with grief and addiction, and his bond with Lexi.
Behind the scenes, Jamie’s time on the show ended after he was suspended for using an offensive slur in a video filmed during Strictly Come Dancing.
After a period of uncertainty about whether he would return, the BBC later confirmed that he would not be coming back to EastEnders.
Because his exit wasn’t filmed as a big send‑off at the time, the writers have had to close Jay’s story through mentions, letters, and updates from other characters, rather than a dramatic final episode with the actor on screen.
Disclaimer:
This article is intended for informational and entertainment purposes only. Storyline developments, character updates, and casting information about EastEnders are based on publicly available episodes, official announcements, and media reports at the time of writing. Television storylines can change, and future episodes or statements from the BBC may provide additional context or updates. Viewers should refer to official EastEnders broadcasts and BBC communications for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
