Jamie Borthwick reacts to Strictly judges' harsh feedback

Jamie Borthwick, known for his role in EastEnders, recently faced criticism from the judges on Strictly Come Dancing during his debut performance. He and his partner, Michelle Tsiakkas, performed a Viennese Waltz, earning a score of 23, which placed them sixth on the leaderboard. Some viewers expressed their belief that the judges were particularly harsh on Borthwick compared to other contestants. This sentiment was highlighted by Fleur East on the spin-off show It Takes Two, where she shared audience reactions to the judging. Borthwick acknowledged the criticism but noted that judge Craig Revel Horwood had a positive response to their performance, which he valued more than the other judges' opinions. As they prepared for their next performance, a rumba, Borthwick mentioned the physical challenges of the dance, particularly the strain on his hips and core. He recognized the difficulty of performing a rumba early in the competition, especially since it had not been featured in the show for 15 years. The couple expressed excitement about their upcoming routine, which would include wind machines to enhance the performance atmosphere, making it feel more like a beach setting. Overall, Borthwick's experience reflects the pressures and challenges faced by contestants in high-stakes dance competitions, especially when public opinion and judge feedback can significantly impact their journey.