BBC presenter Gethin Jones has been forced to pull out of a charity sports event, with the Morning Live star admitting he is "gutted".
The 48-year-old had been due to captain a team of famous faces in the latest round of the Pro Am Padel Tour in London on Tuesday, but has been forced to withdraw from the event at short notice for undisclosed reasons. He was set to go up against rival captain, Blue singer Duncan James, on the court, but has now been replaced as skipper.
Lee Latchford-Evans Steps In as Captain
In Jones' absence, Steps singer Lee Latchford-Evans has stepped in as captain, and will represent the former Blue Peter presenter and his chosen charity.
A brief update from the Pro Am Padel Tour on Tuesday afternoon read: "Unfortunately, captain Gethin Jones has had to withdraw and will no longer be able to attend our event. In replacement, Lee Latchford Evans will be stepping up to represent Gethin and his chosen charity. With Lee now stepping into the role as captain, [former Love Islander] Harry Cooksley will be joining his team for today's event."
Sharing the update on his own Instagram page, Jones wrote: "Gutted to be missing this! Lee 'stepping' in like a ledge".
Team Line-Ups Announced
'Team Jones' also comprises Gladiators star Jamie Bigg, TikTok star and model Hana Mai, Brazilian actor Alexandre Roque and another former Love Island contestant, Ronnie Vint.
Meanwhile, former Team GB swimmer Jack Burnell, England cricketer Reece Topley, Made in Chelsea cast member Tristan Phipps, motorsport presenter Emma Walsh, and former footballer-turned-entrepreneur Stephanie McCaffrey are lining up for 'Team James'.
Jones Reflects on Commonwealth Games Role
Jones' absence comes days after he hinted he could be tempted to reprise his role as Wales' Commonwealth Games Chef de Mission after an extraordinary few weeks leading the Welsh delegation in Glasgow.
Taking to Instagram to reflect on the experience, the presenter dropped an intriguing clue about his future as he described it as a "once in a lifetime experience" before adding "well, maybe".
"I have taken a big breath and I still don’t know what pics to post or how to sum it all up," he wrote. "@glasgow_2026 Commonwealth Games put together in 18 months with care, purpose and ambition. Some incredible highs, and of course the lows that come with top level sport. We all live, love and feel all the moments!"
"I’ve learned over the years that you can have a laugh and take your job seriously. In fact, when doing something as intense as this, I think it’s essential! I was part of a solution focussed Senior Leadership Team that had the interest of the athletes at the forefront of their thinking. Big, important, sensitive decisions being made throughout the day everday."
Jones added: "We did not go to bed the same day we got up. The 11.30pm 'end of day debrief' were integral to the plan. We would always finish the meeting on a high with a laugh. I am grateful to the brilliant @becsym and the board for trusting me in this role! A once in a lifetime experience (well, maybe!), and an honour to stand beside the most honest, determined and passionate people… our athletes! Da iawn @team_wales!"
