Alex Kay-Jelski, the BBC’s director of sport, has confirmed that Andrew Castle decided to leave the BBC after being informed he would be demoted from his role as lead Wimbledon commentator. Kay-Jelski stated that Castle, 62, had "an absolutely brilliant innings" and that the BBC had wanted him to remain part of the commentary team beyond 2026.
Castle’s Departure and BBC’s Stance
Kay-Jelski said: “We asked Andrew to stay, because we think he’s excellent. He’s been doing this for 20 years, and he took the decision that that’s enough.” He clarified that Castle was told "this was going to be his last men’s final," adding: “I think he said this week that it was done face to face, done nicely, he’s done an absolutely brilliant innings.”
Last week, Castle admitted he was hurt by the BBC’s decision, telling the Telegraph: “Am I upset? Yeah, I was upset, and I will stay that way this year, knowing it’s my last. But all good things come to an end.” He noted he would have preferred to finish in 2027, marking 25 years with the BBC: “It would have been my 25th year. But who’s bleating?”
Search for Replacement
When asked about finding Castle’s replacement, Kay-Jelski said the goal is “to go and get the best person” regardless of age or gender. “You asked there about age and gender, I don’t ever look at that. It’s just not how my brain works, and it won’t be how the team’s brain works,” he said. “You just look at who the best people are, sometimes the best person is X, sometimes the best person is Y.” He cited examples like Laura Robson, Eugenie Bouchard, and Tracy Austin, saying “Tracy Austin, who probably knows more about tennis than all of us put together. I just don’t think it’s about male, female and age.”
New Analysis from Courtside
Kay-Jelski also revealed that Laura Robson will provide analysis from courtside during matches, starting with Serena Williams’ first-round encounter against Maya Joint. This marks the first time such a feature has been implemented at Wimbledon. “We’re adding more analysis,” he said. “It’s good insight for BBC Wimbledon viewers. It’s something new, it’s something different. I think we should just try stuff. We shouldn’t be scared to try.”
