Doctor Who star Ncuti Gatwa was unexpectedly replaced as the United Kingdom’s spokesperson for the Eurovision Song Contest 2025 due to “unforeseen circumstances.”
The 32-year-old actor had been scheduled to read out the UK jury votes live during the grand final on Saturday, a high-profile role in one of the world’s most watched music events.
Fans and viewers had eagerly anticipated seeing Gatwa bring his charm and charisma to the Eurovision stage. Instead, the BBC announced a surprise change late Thursday evening.
“Due to unforeseen circumstances, unfortunately Ncuti Gatwa is no longer able to participate as Spokesperson during the Grand Final this weekend,” the broadcaster stated.
In the same statement, the BBC reassured audiences that they had a worthy successor ready to step in at short notice.
“However, we are delighted to confirm that BBC Radio 2’s very own Friday night Kitchen Disco Diva Sophie Ellis-Bextor will be presenting the jury result live from the UK,” the announcement continued.
Sophie Ellis-Bextor, known for her disco-pop hits and vibrant personality on Radio 2, was introduced as the replacement without further explanation of Gatwa’s withdrawal.
The BBC, mindful of maintaining the show’s seamless glamor, chose not to elaborate on the “unforeseen circumstances.”
This abrupt change marks an unusual twist in the UK’s Eurovision preparations, as the contest has historically valued consistency and theatrical flair in its choice of spokesperson.
Over the past few years, the UK role has been filled by household names such as Catherine Tate, whose comedic timing delighted audiences in 2022, Amanda Holden, who brought her bright persona in 2023, and AJ Odudu, whose dynamic presentation in 2024 won praise.
Each spokesperson adds a unique flavor to the event, and Gatwa’s absence leaves questions about the nature of last-minute adjustments behind the scenes.
Taking over this weekend, Sophie Ellis-Bextor expressed her excitement and respect for the contest in a statement released immediately after the BBC’s announcement.
“I love Eurovision and it’s a privilege to be part of 2025’s grand final,” she said. “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!”
Her enthusiastic remarks underscore both her admiration for Eurovision’s legacy and her readiness to embrace the storied tradition of announcing the coveted twelve points.
The news of Gatwa’s replacement broke live during the second Eurovision semi-final, a night when the UK entry, Remember Monday, took to the stage.
The trio—Lauren Byrne, Charlotte Steele, and Holly-Anne Hull—performed their song “What The Hell Just Happened” with polished choreography and harmonies that reflected months of preparation.
Despite fierce competition, the UK acts were safeguarded from elimination, thanks to the “Big Five” status that grants automatic qualification to the grand final.
Yet, their performance still captivated viewers and showcased the UK’s commitment to delivering memorable entries.
Beyond the UK’s automatic berth, Thursday’s semi-final saw ten countries earn their spots in Saturday’s final.
Israel impressed with its youthful energy, Luxembourg charmed with its avant-garde staging, and Finland’s rock-tinged entry drew thunderous applause.
Latvia and Malta delivered emotionally charged ballads, while Lithuania, Armenia, Austria, Denmark, and Greece rounded out the qualifiers, each offering distinct musical flavors that promise a diverse and exhilarating grand final.
Joining these successful semi-finalists are the other automatic qualifiers—France, Germany, Spain, Italy, and Switzerland—who await Saturday’s proceedings from the safety of their pre-booked slots.
They will be joined by the ten countries that emerged from Tuesday’s first semi-final: Norway, Albania, Sweden, Iceland, the Netherlands, Poland, San Marino, Estonia, Portugal, and Ukraine.
This lineup brings together a mix of established favorites and exciting newcomers, setting the stage for a grand final filled with surprises and high-caliber performances.
One of the more startling outcomes of Thursday’s semi-final was the failure of Ireland to qualify, despite its storied Eurovision history.
Ireland, currently tied with Sweden for the record of seven Eurovision victories, had high hopes of seeing their latest entrant through to the final.
Their song, performed by Norwegian singer Emmy, was inspired by “Laika Party,” a creative homage to the famous Soviet space dog.
Yet, the entry did not resonate enough with viewers and juries to secure a spot in the final, marking a rare setback for the Emerald Isle.
Emmy’s performance, which combined playful staging with a nod to space exploration history, had been touted as a potential dark horse.
Unfortunately, it fell short of the mark, prompting discussions among fans about the shifting tastes of Eurovision audiences. Some speculated that Ireland’s once-trusted Eurovision formula may need a modern overhaul to align with contemporary trends and voting patterns.
Others lamented the exit of a country whose Eurovision legacy has been defined by heartfelt ballads and memorable anthems.
Irish hopes this year rested on replicating the success of last year’s sensation, Bambie Thug, who made history by becoming the first Irish competitor to reach the grand final since Ryan O’Shaughnessy in 2018.
Bambie’s breakthrough performance reignited Ireland’s Eurovision spirit, raising expectations for continued success.
However, this year’s journey proved more challenging, underscoring the unpredictable nature of the contest where past glory offers no guarantees.
As the contest moves toward its climax on Saturday, all eyes will be on the grand final stage at Barker Hangar in Santa Monica, California.
Viewers will tune in not only for the musical spectacle but also for the moment when Sophie Ellis-Bextor delivers the UK’s jury points—a role she steps into under unusual circumstances.
Her poised and spirited announcement will cap off a week of surprises, from Ncuti Gatwa’s last-minute withdrawal to Ireland’s unexpected exit.
In the grand tradition of Eurovision’s live television drama, the unexpected has become part of the contest’s charm.
Whether it’s a wardrobe malfunction, a surprise reunion, or an unanticipated presenter change, Eurovision thrives on moments that break the mold.
Sophie’s debut as spokesperson this year promises to be one such moment, adding a fresh chapter to the UK’s Eurovision story.
Despite the uncertainties, the spirit of the contest remains unwavering: to unite audiences through music and celebrate cultural diversity on one stage.
As the final approaches, fans across Europe and beyond will watch with anticipation, eager to see who will emerge victorious and how Sophie Ellis-Bextor’s “douze points” will influence the ultimate scoreboard.
In Eurovision’s ever-evolving narrative, every twist and turn keeps viewers coming back for more.
