Jamie Borthwick, the talented soap star known for his portrayal of Jay Brown on EastEnders since the age of 12, has taken on a new challenge. He joined Strictly Come Dancing as a contestant this year, alongside other icons including Chris McCausland and Toyah Wilcox.
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The 30-year-old actor has so far dazzled viewers with his smooth moves and charisma, quickly becoming one of the frontrunners for the glitterball trophy. He previously appeared in the Strictly Christmas special last year.
Though audiences only see his energetic performances on the dance floor, Jamie has revealed that his journey is more complicated than it seems. The EastEnders star has opened up about a long-standing health battle that began in his teenage years and still affects him today.
Jamie Borthwick: Battling hypochondria on and off the dance floor
Away from the glitz of the ballroom, Borthwick has shared his struggle with a little-known condition—hypochondria. Also referred to as health anxiety, Borthwick spoke candidly about his experience with the disorder in an interview with the Mirror earlier this year.
Shedding light on the condition that ‘will never fully leave him’ and his daily struggles with it, he said:
I have terrible health anxiety, I’m a massive hypochondriac. Every day, I wake up and go, ‘what’s wrong with me today?'
His experience with hypochondria initially began with emetophobia—an intense fear of vomiting—which gradually evolved into broader health anxiety. However, Borthwick credits therapy with helping him manage his fears. He explained:
The therapy sessions have really helped me. But I don’t think these things ever fully leave you.
You just become equipped to be able to deal with it. I’m far from perfect, but I’m certainly in a much better place than I was 10 years ago.
Despite his struggles, Borthwick remains determined not to let hypochondria overshadow his time on Strictly. As the competition progresses, he has steadily become a fan-favourite, working hard to secure the coveted glitterball trophy.
What Is hypochondria?
Hypochondria, also known as health anxiety or hypochondriasis, is a type of anxiety disorder characterised by intense worry about having a serious illness. While it’s normal to have occasional concerns about one’s health, people with hypochondria often worry excessively, even when symptoms are minor or non-existent, according to Health Direct.
Those struggling with hypochondria frequently monitor their health obsessively and make repeated visits to healthcare professionals. Despite medical reassurances, they remain convinced that something is wrong. Common behaviours include excessive online research about illnesses, constantly discussing health issues, and experiencing social or professional difficulties due to their anxiety.
The exact cause of hypochondria is unclear, but it may arise from a combination of factors. These can include a family history of anxiety disorders, past trauma, significant stress, or life-changing events. Therapy and support can help sufferers manage the condition, although it may not entirely disappear.
Read more:
Pete Wicks' childhood trauma: How a letter to his mother pushed him to quit Celebrity SAS
Chris McCausland opens up about the struggles of being on Strictly: ‘It's mentally draining’
Sources used:
Mirror: BBC Strictly Come Dancing's Jamie Borthwick's secret health struggle that 'will never leave him'
Health Direct: Hypochondria
