Eurovision Grand Final dealt blow as Ncuti Gatwa pulls out as UK spokesperson

Ncuti Gatwa will no longer take part in the Eurovision Grand Final, the BBC has confirmed tonight (May 15).

Following the results of the Eurovision Semi-Finals being announced, the BBC press office issued a statement confirming that the Doctor Who and Sex Education star would no longer serve as the UK's spokesperson due to "unforeseen circumstances."

The acclaimed actor would have been delivering the results of the UK's National Jury live, but he will instead be replaced by Sophie Ellis-Bextor in the role. Previously stars such as Joanna Lumley, Amanda Holden and Catherine Tate have taken on the position.

In a statement, the BBC shared: "Due to unforeseen circumstances, unfortunately Ncuti Gatwa is no longer able to participate as Spokesperson during the Grand Final this weekend."

They continued: "However, we are delighted to confirm that Radio 2's very own Friday night Kitchen Disco Diva Sophie Ellis-Bextor will be presenting the Jury result live from the UK."

The statement came moments after the results of the second live Semi Final were announced, with Israel, Finland, Germany, Luxembourg, Denmark, France, Lithuania, Greece, the UK, Austria, Armenia and Latvia's acts all qualifying for the final show.

Ncuti had been unveiled as spokesperson earlier this month as the final will coincide with the release of a themed Doctor Who episode titled The Interstellar Song Contest.

Regarding her new role as spokesperson, Sophie Ellis-Bextor shared: "I love Eurovision and it's a privilege to be part of 2025's Grand Final.

"What an honour it is to announce the UK's jury score on such a special show which always puts music front and centre. I am very much looking forward to delivering the iconic douze points from the United Kingdom!"

Reacting to the news, one Eurovision fan predicted that "Sophie will do a grand job", as another shared their hopes that Ncuti was "secretly filming Season 3."

"What a wonderful replacement!" gushed another viewer. "Glad Sophie can step in she will do a great job," penned a fourth.

The Eurovision Song Contest Grand Final will be shown at 8pm on Saturday night (May 7) on BBC One and iPlayer