Sue Barker has expressed sadness over the BBC's decision to part ways with veteran Wimbledon commentator Andrew Castle, who will leave his role after this year's Championships. Castle was informed of the decision in the run-up to the tournament and will take to the microphone one last time for the BBC at Wimbledon.
Castle's Reaction to the Decision
Castle admitted to being upset by the BBC's choice, though he acknowledged that broadcasters constantly seek to refresh their output. He told 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. It would have been my 25th year. But who's bleating?"
Castle noted that he was informed in person, in a very respectful way, and expressed gratitude for that, acknowledging that in television, one can be "walking down the street one moment and the next you've been nobbled."
Barker's Reflections
Barker, who spent decades in the industry and left the BBC on her own terms in 2022, echoed Castle's feelings. She said: "In the early 1990s, when I was starting at Sky TV, Andrew was my pundit. The tennis was in a Portakabin in the car park. It was freezing in winter - we used to get carbon monoxide poisoning from people running their car engines just outside - and in the summer, we'd be wiping off the sweat and checking our faces for pieces of tissue. But we had so much fun together."
She added: "As a presenter, I always loved having Andrew in the studio, because he offered something a bit different. I'm sad that this news has come as a bit of a shock to him, but it feels that way for all of us, because we love what we do so much. I would much rather be working than sitting at home, but you have to make way for the next generation."
Impact on Wimbledon Coverage
The Championships began on Monday and will continue over the next fortnight. Castle's departure marks the end of an era for BBC's Wimbledon coverage, as he has been a familiar voice for nearly 25 years. Barker's comments highlight the emotional impact on those involved in the broadcast team.
