Strictly Come Dancing contestant Jamie Borthwick has hinted at a health issue affecting his performance in the BBC competition after his debut dance. The EastEnders star, who won last year’s Strictly Christmas special, danced with his partner Michelle Tsiakkas on Saturday night. Their Viennese Waltz earned them a mid-table score of 23 points, placing them halfway on the leaderboard after the first episode. During the performance, host Tess Daly mentioned the number of spins in their routine, to which Jamie responded, “It didn’t do the vertigo much good,” as reported by Birmingham Live.
Vertigo, a condition where everything feels like it’s spinning, can cause episodes lasting from seconds to months, according to the NHS. The judges also noted Jamie’s struggle with dizziness during the dance. Head judge Shirley Ballas commented on his imbalance, while Craig Revel Horwood praised Jamie’s enthusiasm but pointed out his unsteady performance. Speaking to Claudia Winkleman, Jamie expressed feeling ‘humbled’ by his first week on Strictly.
Addressing any potential Strictly curse, Jamie clarified that there was no romantic involvement with Michelle, who is in a relationship with fellow dancer Simone Arena. He emphasized their strong friendship, stating, “She’s looking after me, she’s mothering me.” For those experiencing vertigo, the NHS suggests measures like lying still in a quiet room, moving your head carefully, sitting down when feeling dizzy, and using a walking stick if at risk of falling.
The EastEnders actor’s revelation about his health condition sheds light on the challenges contestants face on Strictly Come Dancing. Fans and viewers will be watching closely to see how Jamie manages his condition while continuing to perform on the popular BBC show.