Andrew Castle apology for
The BBC's veteran Wimbledon commentator Andrew Castle stunned viewers with his recent revelation that he would be departing the broadcaster following this summer's Championships. This year's Wimbledon is now underway and will mark the farewell of the former British tennis player. Castle, 62, has decided to stand down after being told that this year's event would mark his final appearance as lead commentator.
The move follows the All England Club's request for the BBC to refresh their coverage as they secured an extended broadcasting agreement to screen the tournament until at least 2033. Castle, who reached the Australian Open mixed doubles final in 1987 alongside Anne Hobbs, transitioned into broadcasting upon his retirement from tennis. He presented ITV's GMTV during the early 2000s and subsequently appeared in the 2008 series of Strictly Come Dancing.
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He departed GMTV in June 2010, saying: "With all the changes taking place at GMTV I felt it was time for a new chapter in my life as well," though he subsequently disclosed that the decision to remove him was entirely unexpected.
Castle also became embroiled in controversy during Wimbledon in 2016 when he made a "creepy" comment about British player Marcus Willis' girlfriend, Jenny Bate, a dental surgeon. While commentating for the BBC, he said: "My dentist doesn't look like that," sparking outrage on social media, with numerous viewers condemning the remark as sexist.
One X user wrote at the time: "@bbctennis any chance Andrew Castle could cut out the horribly creepy and sexist remarks?" Castle hit back at another critic by saying: "I just knew there would be someone just like you who would comment. Earnest, humourless and probably not fun at all."
However, he subsequently reversed his position and posted an apology on X, then Twitter, writing: "Obviously never meant to upset anyone. If I did then I apologise."
He was also compelled to make amends after repeatedly referring to US football star Trinity Rodman by the wrong name during a Wimbledon match featuring her partner Ben Shelton. Castle mistakenly called Rodman "Tiffany" on numerous occasions during Shelton's fourth-round encounter with Lorenzo Sonego in 2025.
Rodman, a US international footballer and Olympic gold medallist, is the estranged daughter of Chicago Bulls icon Dennis Rodman. Castle also frequently referenced the former NBA star throughout the broadcast.
The comments sparked a backlash online, with many questioning the relevance of bringing up Dennis given Trinity's well-publicised estrangement from him. Taking to social media in the aftermath, Rodman posted: "My name is Trinity for those who don't know."
In an official statement, a BBC spokesperson said: "Andrew apologises for mispronouncing Trinity Rodman's name during the Ben Shelton vs. Lorenzo Sonego match."
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Reflecting on his recent departure from the BBC, Castle drew parallels with his exit from GMTV. 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.
"I would have liked to have gone out with the 150th year of the Championships [in 2027]. It would have been my 25th year, but who's bleating? I was told in person in a very respectful way. I was very grateful for that, because knowing what I know about TV, you can be walking down the street one moment and the next you've been nobbled.
"Just take GMTV (which Castle presented alongside Kate Garraway, Ben Shephard and Penny Smith). I thought I'd been doing a good job, and then I arrived at Gatwick Airport for our family holiday. The front page of the Daily Mirror had a picture of me and my three co-presenters with the headline, 'You're Toast.'
"I think it's the right decision. I don't want to hang around really and there are other avenues to pursue. In fact, there are two job offers. It won't necessarily be the same thing, but it's during the tournament for others."
Wimbledon 2026 is just around the corner and Seat Unique has tickets on sale now with VIP access.