Eurovision fans 'pin-point' reason behind Doctor Who star's surprise withdrawal
The Eurovision Song Contest grand final will get underway on Saturday night where one country will be crowned the 2025 winner as Doctor Who star Ncuti Gatwa withdrew from presenting
Eurovision fans have speculated that a Doctor Who star has withdrawn from presenting duties due to Israel's participation. Ncuti Gatwa was due to be a spokesperson for Eurovision Saturday night as the grand final takes place.
However, just two minutes after Israel qualified for the final, the BBC announced that he would no longer be involved. The pro-Palestinian actor was due to represent the UK to announce the British jury's points for each participating country's song but has since pulled out of the role.
The BBC announced on Thursday night that the actor would be replaced by singer Sophie Ellis-Bextor instead. The statement read: "Due to unforeseen circumstances, unfortunately Ncuti Gatwa is no longer able to participate as Spokesperson during the Grand Final this weekend.
"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 statement was released just moments after Israel's Yuval Raphael qualified at Thursday's semi-final with her song New Day Will Rise.
Gatwa has been vocal in his support for Palestine as he shared photos of Free Palestine graffiti in Italy on his Instagram and posted links to fundraisers for Palestinian causes. A specific reason for Gatwa's withdrawal has not been given, but many fans have speculated that Israel's qualification was the cause.
One person wrote on social media: "THAT's backing up your morals. #FreePalestine." While a pro-Palestine account said: "Israel qualified to the Eurovision final at 22:16 last night. Then at 22:18, just two minutes later, the BBC announced Ncuti Gatwa cancelling his appearance on Eurovision for 'unforseen circumstances'. We see you Ncuti; we see you and we like you a lot."
Commenting on her last minute job, Sophie Ellis-Bextor said: "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!"
In previous years, celebs like Joanna Lumley, Fearne Cotton, Nigella Lawson and Catherine Tate have taken on the spokesperson job. Gatwa will appear tomorrow night in a Eurovision-inspired episode of the Doctor Who which will be names The Interstellar Song Contest. The episode will star Eurovision hosts Graham Norton and Rylan Clark.
The Mirror have contacted the BBC and Ncuti's reps for comment.
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