Andrew Castle and John Lloyd are leaving the BBC’s Wimbledon coverage (Image: BBC)
Andrew Castle says the BBC have ‘booted’ him and John Lloyd out as the two commentators work their final Wimbledon men’s final for the Beeb this afternoon. The pair are in the commentary box for Jannik Sinner’s match against Alexander Zverev on Centre Court. The Italian world No.1 is looking to defend his title and lift his fifth Grand Slam trophy. But whoever wins, Castle and Lloyd will not be back on the BBC in 2027.
Presenter Rishi Persad said on BBC One: “We are running out of time but I just want to wish you the best of luck for the final today Andrew, your last one for us…” Lead commentator Castle then replied: “Yes. I am a bit sad about it of course. I have fabulous memories, even working with John! John’s finishing as well. We’re being put out to grass. That’s it. Booted!” Lloyd added: “I’ve had a good run. I started when there was still black and white TV, it’s been a while. You didn’t start that young, you’re much younger than me. You were great to work with, I loved every minute of it.”
Before Castle said: “Well I did too. My kids were eight and 10 when I did my first final, they’re now married and one has children and one is expecting on the way! So don’t tell me there’s nothing to do. We’ll play golf next week yes?”
It was known before the tournament got underway at the All England Club that Castle was departing the Beeb due to a “change of direction” in its Wimbledon coverage. He had been the broadcaster’s lead commentator since 2003 but was informed he would be demoted from the role for next year and thus stepped down.
“I’m approaching it [the final] in exactly the same way I have the other ones,” he told BBC Radio 5 Live. “I’m taking a few more pictures this time because I know it’s coming to an end.
“I don’t hide this, I’m very, very sad and disappointed and all these other things. There’s a sense of grief that goes with this because there’s so many memories. I’ve never taken it for granted. I hope that the people that I’ve worked with feel that it’s been a good experience for them.
“I just wish, in some ways, that I could carry on, but you can’t. To a degree, this was unexpected. The news was delivered to me in a respectful way. I had a meeting after taking a phone call that didn’t sound too good. Phil Bernie came down from BBC Sport and said ‘look, we’re going in a different direction for the final next year, we’d like you to stay a part of the team’.
“I thought about that, talked to my wife Sophia and the children, let it sit. Then I declined to be a part of the team for next year, because once you’ve done the final, everything else is less. It’s such an event, such a thing.
“Anyway, there we are, they’ve decided to go in a new direction for the final and I wish whoever sits in that privileged seat the very best. I still feel like I have something to offer, but that decision has been taken away from me, and I respect that. I’m very, very grateful.
EXPRESS SPORT ON FB! Get all the best sports news and much more on our Facebook page
Andrew Castle and John Lloyd speak about their BBC departures (Image: BBC)
“In those few moments where I’ve grieved a little bit, I’ve reminded myself that this has all been part of a great and lucky run. Just leave, and be happy and smiling.”
BBC director of sport Alex Kay-Jelski, however, declared that the Beeb “asked Andrew to stay because we think he’s excellent” and added: “He’s been doing this for 20 years, and then he took the decision, therefore, that is enough. I think even he said this week that he was told face-to-face and it was done nicely. He’s done an absolute brilliant innings.”
Former British No.1 Lloyd confirmed before the men’s doubles final on Saturday that he was leaving the BBC. Todd Woodbridge said: “Before we get to the presentation, worth just saying something about you, Lloydy.”
Lloyd replied: “Wow, don’t need to,” but Woodbridge continued: “It might be the last chance that I get to sit in the comms’ box with you, it’s been an absolute pleasure.”
Fellow commentator Chris Badnam then said: “For me, too, John. John’s last Wimbledon.” Lloyd responded: “Thank you. Yeah, it’s very nice of you guys to say that.”
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. Read our Privacy Policy
In an interview with the Daily Telegraph, Lloyd, 71, explained: “I didn’t want any fuss. I was going to stop last year. But then it was one of those years: I was on the big courts more than I expected, and I had a lot of studio time, so I thought ‘I’ll give it one more summer.’
“I’ve got no regrets. I’m very fortunate to do it. I’ve been a lucky guy. It feels strange to be doing my last match but I’m happy, because it’s been a really good ride. I can’t even tell you whether it’s 25 years now or 27, because I’m not very good at dates. But I think I must have started when it was black-and-white TV.
“It’s a different audience now. Much more analytics. There’s stats going left, right and centre. But when I was starting out, [former BBC commentator] Dan Maskell said to me, ‘Always remember your audience.’
“He didn’t mean it in a condescending way, but he said ’75 per cent of the viewers are housewives who tune in for two weeks, but don’t follow tennis for the rest of the year, and don’t know how to score a tie-break. If you talk about pronating the wrist on the serve, they really won’t understand what you’re on about, so keep it general.’
“Dan would use very short, very simple phrases. ‘Oh, I say.’ Or ‘A peach of a shot.’ He also had one of the greatest voices of all time, which helped. I always tried to listen, not to overtalk, and just to be conversational as much as I could. I must have done something right, because I’ve been around for a while.”