Jay is falling apart in the wake of Lola’s death – and things are set to get even worse (Picture: BBC / Jack Barnes / Kieron McCarron)
Jay Brown (Jamie Borthwick) hits rock bottom in EastEnders this week, with the widower consumed with grief over the loss of his beloved wife Lola Pearce (Danielle Harold).
Lola, as fans will know, tragically died earlier this year after a heart wrenching battle with a terminal brain tumour.
Jay was her rock the whole way through her diagnosis and her final months, vowing to be there for Lexi (Isabella Brown) when she passed away.
Life without Lola, however, has proven more difficult than he could’ve ever imagined, with the car salesman seeking solace in the company of escort Nadine (Jazzy Phoenix), who bears a striking resemblance to Lola, before turning to drugs.
‘Jay doesn’t know where to turn which is why he’s resorted to taking drugs,’ actor Jamie Borthwick told Metro.co.uk of the storyline. ‘It seems to be problem after problem for him and it’s probably the lowest he’s ever felt’.
Despite ignoring the concerns of Ben Mitchell (Max Bowden) and Callum Highway (Tony Clay), Jay ultimately turns to Billy (Perry Fenwick), who senses something isn’t quite right in upcoming scenes.
‘Billy is someone he does look up to and is someone he feels could help him,’ continued Jamie. ‘So, as much as he doesn’t want to talk about it, at least it’s to Billy because he can understand because he’s had his own troubles and dramas in the past.’
Jay, supported by Gina, returns to the flat but Ben isn’t pleased to see him (Picture: BBC / Jack Barnes / Kieron McCarron)
The scenes in question lead to Jay realising that he’s got support to get through this, which proves to be something of a breakthrough for him.
That is, until Ben scuppers everything by revealing the whole Nadine situation to Billy, who is left seething.
‘Billy obviously doesn’t take too kindly to this and Jay knows he’s in [hot water] now because it’s all come out,’ said Jamie of the development. ‘Just when he thought he couldn’t get any lower, Lexi hears all and she’s the last person that Jay want’s to find out.’
Jay opens up about what he’s been going through (Picture: BBC / Jack Barnes / Kieron McCarron)
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The possibility of losing Lexi is raised as a result of Jay’s behaviour, which Jamie told us is an ‘absolute no’ for the character, given his promise to Lola.
‘When [the Nadine secret] does come out and it jeopardises his relationship with Lexi, naturally Jay cannot cope,’ he stated. ‘This is the worst thing to happen to him besides Lola dying – it is his worst nightmare.’
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Heartbreaking scenes ensue, with Jay ultimately involved in a devastating accident, which leaves his life hanging in the balance.
‘Jay needs to get away from Walford because being around there is just causing nothing but carnage,’ concluded Jamie, discussing the tragic events to come.
Jay sets off for Margate – with tragedy set to ensue (Picture: BBC / Jack Barnes / Kieron McCarron)
‘He tries to persuade Gina to come with him to Margate – he wants to go back there because him and Lola had spent some time there together.
‘Gina says she is going to go, but doesn’t end up coming. So, on a whim and under the influence, he drives to Margate, but it doesn’t quite go to plan.’
But will Jay pull through?
EastEnders airs Mondays to Thursdays at 7:30pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
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Jamie Borthwick spilled the beans as traumatic scenes approach for Jay, with devastation on the cards.Â