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Andrew Castle to Step Down as BBC Lead Wimbledon Commentator After 2026

BBC Sport head Alex Kay-Jelski is steering a refresh of Wimbledon coverage that led Castle to decline a reduced role and make 2026 his final year

Overview

  • Multiple BBC and national outlets reported in mid‑June that Andrew Castle confirmed he will leave his role as the BBC's lead Wimbledon commentator after the 2026 Championships.
  • Castle says he was told months earlier that his role would change, the BBC offered him a lesser part on the team, and he has chosen not to accept that position.
  • He has been the corporation’s main TV voice at Wimbledon since 2003 and called landmark moments including Andy Murray’s 2013 and 2016 singles titles.
  • The BBC says it wanted Castle to stay for 2027 but is preparing a reworked commentary line-up, with media discussion naming Jonathan Overend, Nick Lester, Nick Mullins and Marcus Buckland as possible options.
  • The change is part of a wider strategy at BBC Sport under Kay‑Jelski to modernise presentation and attract new viewers, a shift that has already seen long‑tenured presenters leave and could affect how the broadcaster shapes future Wimbledon coverage.