The BBC has reportedly selected Andrew Cotter as its new chief Wimbledon commentator, replacing Andrew Castle after 23 years. Castle announced he would leave the role following this year's tournament, expressing disappointment over the decision to remove him from the men's final.
Castle's Departure Confirmed
Andrew Castle, 62, will call his last men's final for the BBC at Wimbledon 2026. The Telegraph reported that Andrew Cotter, 52, will take over as lead commentator from the 2027 tournament. Cotter currently commentates on golf and rugby for the BBC, with additional work in tennis, athletics, and the Boat Race.
Castle revealed that the BBC asked him to return next year but without the men's final, prompting him to decline and quit. "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 told The Telegraph. "I don't know why I won't be doing another final, apart from that it's a 'change of direction'. They did ask me to come back for next year without the final, but I declined. I think it's the right decision."
BBC's Response and Future Plans
BBC director of sport Alex Kay-Jelski addressed the change at Wimbledon on Tuesday. He declined to justify stripping Castle of the lead role, saying, "I'm not going to get into private conversations. We asked Andrew to stay, because we think he's excellent. He's been doing this for 20 years, and then he took the decision, therefore, that is enough." Kay-Jelski added that Castle was told face-to-face and it was "done nicely," praising his "brilliant innings."
Kay-Jelski outlined his selection philosophy: "You asked about age and gender, I don't ever look at that. It's just not how my brain works. You just look at who the best people are. You can have Laura Robson and Eugenie Bouchard. You can also have Tracy Austin, who probably knows more about tennis than all of us put together."
Castle's Future Prospects
Castle indicated he has other opportunities, stating, "There are two job offers. It won't necessarily be the same thing, but it's during the tournament for others." His departure marks the end of an era for BBC Wimbledon coverage, with Cotter expected to lead commentary from 2027.
