EastEnders’ Jamie Borthwick reveals health battle that has him ‘questioning himself every day – and will never be cured’
EASTENDERS star Jamie Borthwick has bravely opened up about attending therapy as part of his personal health battle.
The Jay Brown actor is gearing up to run the London Marathon in character this weekend to raise money for Prostate Cancer UK.
Ahead of the marathon this weekend, Jamie, who is best known for playing Jay, has revealed more information about his hidden health battles.
In the past few months, EastEnders fans have watched on as Jay and Honey Micthell (Emma Barton) have trained to run the London Marathon in memory of his ex TV wife, Lola Pearce (Danielle Harold), who died of a brain tumour last year.
Jamie recently revealed that his father, Simon and his uncle, Charlie, were both diagnosed with the disease, while his cousin is also undergoing treatment.
Speaking about his own underlying health battles in an interview with The Mirror, the 29-year-old said: “I have terrible health anxiety, I’m a massive hypochondriac. Every day, I wake up and go, ‘What’s wrong with me today?’
“The therapy sessions have really helped me, but I don’t think these things ever fully leave you.”
The BBC star admitted to breaking down in tears after learning that his father was diagnosed with prostate cancer, but was relieved to discover the doctors had caught it early.
The surgery went well, and Simon, 57, was given the all-clear.
Jamie’s uncle also successfully recovered from the illness.
Due to Simon’s health scare with the disease, it means Jamie has a high risk of also being diagnosed.
Following his experience with bouts of prostatitis – an inflamed prostate – Jamie revealed: “I was really worried and had health anxiety kicking in because I thought I had prostate cancer.
“Thankfully, I just had an infection.”
In March, Jamie confirmed that he would be taking part in the marathon.
At the time, he penned: “17 months on from my sister running the London marathon for @prostatecanceruk, I am now doing the same for our beloved dad and uncle!
“Prostate cancer affects 1 in 8 men, and the more awareness we raise and encourage all us men to get checked a lot earlier, hopefully, we can bring that number down! The link is in the bio for all donations, and we hugely appreciate anything everybody can give!”
Jamie continued: “And to all those who have sent messages of support and gave donations, I really really appreciate it and am sending all the [love] in the world.”
This weekend, EastEnders fans will witness Jamie and Emma – in their respective roles – compete in the marathon on behalf of BBC Children in Need.
The two soap opera stars will run parts of the course, which will feature on the soap.
EastEnders airs on BBC One with episodes available to stream on BBC iPlayer.