Jamie Borthwick Brings Strictly Magic and Laughter to Gravesend’s Chatty Chums Club

• by Arlen Fitzpatrick
• 0 Comments

Jamie Borthwick Lights Up Chatty Chums Club

Walk into the Clarendon Royal Community Hub in Gravesend on January 3 and you’d have seen a pretty unusual sight: TV’s Jamie Borthwick, better known to many as Jay Brown from EastEnders, trading TV drama for heartfelt real-life moments with the Chatty Chums Club. And yes, there were jokes, mince pies, and even some Strictly-style dance moves.

This wasn’t your foggy, forgettable community drop-in. Instead, Jamie’s presence turned the regular club session into something that felt more like a party. Armed with the charisma that made him a hit both on the square and the dance floor, he pulled up a chair and listened—really listened—to the life stories from club members, some older than the TV soap he stars in. Laughter filled the room as Jamie swapped banter and jokes about the perks of getting older, playfully claiming, “You can get away with murder, within reason!”

Inspired by his stint on Strictly Come Dancing, Jamie didn’t just talk. He got everyone moving with a fun, seated dance lesson. “It’s called the chasse!” he announced cheerfully, guiding the group through simple steps that set toes tapping and chairs wobbling. Even those who weren't up for a spin admitted waving their arms and grinning was more fun than they’d expected. For many, it was the closest brush with ballroom—at least this January.

Memorable Moments and Emotional Connections

The effects of his visit went beyond gags and dance steps. Sharing festive drinks and mince pies, Jamie found himself surrounded by people eager to connect, chat, and reminisce. One club attendee, 92-year-old Margaret, summed up the general feeling with ‘happy tears’ as she described how special the day was. For her, and plenty of others, this wasn’t just a celebrity cameo—it was a reminder of how much joy a simple conversation can bring.

Tracy Rodwell from Age UK Kent Rivers, the group behind the club, said Jamie’s visit was pretty much the gold standard for community engagement. According to her, he brought not just smiles and warmth, but a real sense of fun to the table—something that isn’t always easy to come by, especially in these quieter corners of Kent. For Jamie, the feeling was mutual. He called the event ‘brilliant,’ later sharing how much he enjoyed getting to know people from a different generation—people who, as he put it, “lived in the best of times.”

What really sets the Chatty Chums Club apart, and what Jamie highlighted by being there, is its relentless commitment to keeping older adults connected and uplifted. Sessions focus on everything from group games and crafts to simply sharing tea and stories. With a little Strictly sparkle and the magic of genuine conversation, January 3 turned from a wintry Friday into a memory many will cherish.