Because he is trapped within the influence sphere of the Philth.

Every character that comes within a mile of Mr Invincible is happily destroyed by the writers (most recently Abi) or made to become just another Mitchell stooge (Jay).

Jamie is a bloody good actor - he deserves far more than he has ever got.

It's a disgrace.

More shirtless scenes and a gay storyline.... please...?

In all seriousness though, I really hope they do something significant with him. Jamie is a genuine talent and a great, naturalistic actor and he's just not being utilised to his full.

Maybe now they've cast off the albatross of a character that was Lola they might actually be able to do something with him.

I know he has a bit of a record but I'd like it if Jay felt shunned by the Mitchell's and so decided to sort out his life and join the police. I'd put him and Abi back together and living with Cora. Further down the line we can have stories when the Mitchell's are in trouble with the police and he feels conflicted. Whenever the Mitchell's have been in trouble he seems to be the only one with a conscience so I think it could work

With Ben as a typical Mitchell and Jay as a copper... I'd dig this.

You do wonder why Jamie stays at EE. The likes of Sam Strike and Ben Hardy left EE and have secured movie roles and there is no reason why Jamie could not have successful career in acting.

If he is happy doing not very much at EE fair enough but you cannot help think he is wasting his talent.

That's a cracking idea

I guess unlike the other two he been their since he was a child, perhaps it similar to why Lacey Turner returned, their more security too it then jobbing work.

Sam Strike and Ben Hardy stayed 12 months and 2 yrs retrospectively they had ambition beyond it and really it was just a stop gap and a launch pad to get noticed and I know they was also frustrated by the lack of material for them.

Jamie is one of the best actor on the show, the lack of storylines must be jarring.

It would be very realistic if Jay and Ben turned their backs on Phil, and help provide future story lines for them also

BIB, I wouldn't say either were underused, Johnny had the coming out storyline and the struggle with his mum, he was involved in Shazza's attack and was part of the shows new premier family, They only stopped bothering with him once they realised Strike wanted to leave, Johnny was given far more material than Nancy and Lee in his first 6 months. As for Peter he was at the center of the show's biggest storyline in years. Both were signficantly used far more than Jay. I agree though Jamie Bortwick seems to love EE and doesn't have the same desire to look at other roles which will hopefully be good news for us, not all actors want to do movies and I hope Jay is part of Eastenders for the next 20 years!

I hope so.