Andrew Castle has issued an apology for a 'creepy' comment made during Wimbledon 2016 and expressed shock at being dropped by the BBC after 23 years as lead commentator. The 62-year-old former British tennis player will depart the broadcaster following this year's Championships, after being informed that this summer's event would be his final assignment.
Castle's Controversial Comment and Apology
During Wimbledon 2016, Castle sparked outrage on social media when he remarked about British player Marcus Willis' girlfriend, Jenny Bate, a dental surgeon: 'My dentist doesn't look like that.' Many viewers condemned the remark as sexist. One X user wrote: '@bbctennis any chance Andrew Castle could cut out the horribly creepy and sexist remarks?' Castle initially hit back at a critic, saying: 'I just knew there would be someone just like you who would comment. Earnest, humourless and probably not fun at all.' However, he later reversed his position and posted an apology on X, then Twitter, writing: 'Obviously never meant to upset anyone. If I did then I apologise.'
Further Missteps and Departure
Castle also faced backlash after repeatedly referring to US football star Trinity Rodman by the wrong name during a Wimbledon match featuring her partner Ben Shelton in 2025. He mistakenly called Rodman 'Tiffany' on numerous occasions during Shelton's fourth-round encounter with Lorenzo Sonego. Rodman, a US international footballer and Olympic gold medallist, is the estranged daughter of Chicago Bulls icon Dennis Rodman. Castle frequently referenced the former NBA star throughout the broadcast, sparking criticism online. Rodman later posted: 'My name is Trinity for those who don't know.' A BBC spokesperson said: 'Andrew apologises for mispronouncing Trinity Rodman's name during the Ben Shelton vs. Lorenzo Sonego match.'
Castle's Career and Exit from the BBC
Castle transitioned into broadcasting after retiring from tennis, having reached the Australian Open mixed doubles final in 1987 alongside Anne Hobbs. He presented ITV's GMTV during the early 2000s and appeared in the 2008 series of Strictly Come Dancing. 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 later disclosed that the decision to remove him was entirely unexpected. Reflecting on his recent departure from the BBC, Castle 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.'
Future Plans
Castle added: '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.' 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.
