Legendary Wimbledon commentator dropped by BBC after 23 years

Andrew Castle has confirmed that he is set to be stood down as the BBC’s lead tennis commentator after this year’s Wimbledon Championships.

Castle has been a mainstay of the broadcaster’s coverage since landing the job over two decades ago.

However, the 62-year-old was informed a couple of months ago that he will be removed from his role following this year’s tournament, which begins later this month.

In an interview with The Times, Castle confirmed the decision, which appears to have been made by BBC’s head of sport Alex Kay-Jelski, who is keen to take coverage in a new direction.

‘It’s been a hell of a journey,’ Castle said. ‘I can’t say I have enjoyed every minute because there have been moments of pressure and controversy, but it has been a huge privilege.

‘To be honest, when I got the job 23 years ago, a lot of the more experienced commentators felt that they should have been first in line.

‘Their noses were put out of joint. So, in the wider scheme of things, I am lucky that I had the best gig in sports broadcasting for so long, during the greatest age of men’s tennis.’

Castle is currently working at Queen’s and appears as a commentator and presenter at other tennis tournaments throughout the calendar year.

Asked what the future holds after his final Wimbledon, he said: ‘My wife Sophia and I are building a house and we’re about to have a third grandchild, so things are good.

‘I am not sure what will come next professionally, but whatever it is, I’ll embrace it.’

While he may not be lead commentator after this year, The Sun reports that Castle will remain as part of the team for 2027.

The likes of Jonathan Overend, Nick Mullins, Nick Lester and Marcus Buckland could be in line to replace Castle in the main chair.

Castle’s final Wimbledon as lead commentator begins in just under a fortnight on Monday 29 June.

Jannik Sinner and Iga Swiatek return as the defending men’s and women’s champions, with Venus and Serena Williams set to make a highly anticipated return in the women’s doubles.

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