BBC axe iconic commentator weeks before Wimbledon

The BBC are set to take their tennis coverage in a new direction by axing an iconic commentator after 23 years in the role.

Wimbledon gets underway on June 29, with fans already excited after news emerged earlier today (June 16) that Serena and Venus Williams will team up in the women’s doubles.

The pair were handed a wildcard to compete and will be vying for a 15th Grand Slam doubles title together.

And while two iconic names will no doubt light up the All England Club, for one iconic commentator, the 2026 edition of the grass-court Grand Slam will spell the end of his illustrious career.

In a wide-ranging interview with The Times, the BBC’s lead tennis commentator, Andrew Castle, 62, revealed that he will step down after the tournament.

Castle’s voice has accompanied some of tennis’ most iconic moments over the past two decades or so, with the former player providing commentary for both of Andy Murray’s triumphs at the tournament.

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Speaking to former table tennis player Matthew Syed, Castle reflected positively on his lengthy career, describing it as “a hell of a journey” while admitting that he is unsure what may come next professionally.

“To be honest, when I got the job 23 years ago, a lot of the more experienced commentators felt that they should have been first in line,” he said.

“Their noses were put out of joint. So, in the wider scheme of things, I am lucky that I had the best gig in sports broadcasting for so long, during the greatest age of men’s tennis.

“My wife Sophia and I are building a house and we’re about to have a third grandchild, so things are good.

“I am not sure what will come next professionally, but whatever it is, I’ll embrace it.”

The 62-year-old has been working for the BBC during their coverage of Queen’s over the past week. He has also worked as a radio and TV presenter for outlets such as GMTV, LBC and Smooth Radio over the years.

According to The Sun, Jonathan Overend, Nick Mullins, Nick Lester and Marcus Buckland are among those expected to replace him.

Castle will be the latest big-name exit at the BBC, with former Match of the Day presenter Gary Lineker and tennis broadcaster Sue Barker leaving the organisation in recent years.

“I can’t say I have enjoyed every minute because there have been moments of pressure and controversy, but it has been a huge privilege,” Castle added while reflecting on his career.

“Luck is a big factor in life and I’ve had my fair share. But you’ve got to make your own luck in the world.

“And that means putting yourself out there, getting rejected and picking yourself up.”

Castle reveals standout career moment from 23-year BBC stint

When pressed on the highlight of his career, it was no surprise that he chose Murray’s 2013 Wimbledon men’s final victory over Novak Djokovic, which ended a 77-year wait for a British male singles champion.

“That last game was something. Murray had three match points, which [Novak] Djokovic saved.

“The tension was unbearable. The director asked for a push into Andy’s eyes, a lingering shot as he was grimacing after a gruelling rally.

“I think it was deuce. He was two points away from the thing he’d always dreamt of. A line came to me: ‘Sporting immortality doesn’t come easily.’”

The BBC has informed SPORTbible that Castle will remain part of the organisation's Wimbledon coverage beyond the 2026 tournament, despite this year's event being his last as lead commentator.