The BBC will need to appoint a new lead Wimbledon commentator for the first time in decades after confirming a change to their television coverage of the tennis
The BBC have confirmed that there will be a major change to their Wimbledon television coverage following this summer’s championships.
Andrew Castle, 62, currently serves as the corporation’s main TV commentator of the yearly Grand Slam, but will fulfil this role for the final time this summer. He has provided commentary on men’s singles finals for the BBC since 2003, having previously worked for Sky after retiring from professional tennis.
The former British No.1 revealed his upcoming departure in an interview published by The Times on Tuesday afternoon. His employers have now confirmed the news, just under 24 hours after the initial report.
A BBC spokesperson said: “We wanted Andrew to continue with the BBC at Wimbledon next year, but he has now decided that this year will be his last.
“We look forward to working with him at the 2026 Championships and thank him for his great work leading our commentary team there for more than 20 years.”
Nevertheless, according to Castle’s interview with The Times, the BBC’s head of sport, Alex Kay-Jelski, has chosen to pursue a fresh direction for their coverage. Castle is reported to have accepted the news without bitterness, which they claim he discovered a couple of months ago.
The seasoned commentator said: “It’s been a hell of a journey. 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.”
Castle continued: “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.”
The former world No.80 says he has no new position lined up. Castle said: “I am not sure what will come next professionally, but whatever it is, I’ll embrace it.”
Castle previously spent a decade as a presenter on ITV’s Good Morning Television (GMTV), before it briefly became Daybreak and, more recently, Good Morning Britain. He has also fronted the channel’s game shows Divided and Perseverance.
Beyond television, Castle has presented several radio programmes, including the Smooth Radio breakfast show. The one-time Grand Slam finalist also hosted The Great American Songbook before taking on weekend breakfasts over at LBC.
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