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Wales Online
11-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
Andrew Castle's 'creepy' Wimbledon accusation, actress daughter and reason he quit GMTV
Andrew Castle's 'creepy' Wimbledon accusation, actress daughter and reason he quit GMTV The former tennis player is one of the voices behind the microphone during the BBC's Wimbledon coverage Andrew Castle (L) poses with daughter Georgina Castle as he attends a performance of "Elf The Musical" (Image: 2022 David M. Benett ) Andrew Castle has been a familiar voice in tennis commentary for two decades and is once again behind the microphone during this year's instalment of the BBC's Wimbledon coverage. A former British No.1, Castle enjoyed a successful playing career, highlighted by a run to the Australian Open mixed doubles final in 1987 alongside Anne Hobbs. After retiring from the sport, he moved into broadcasting, fronting ITV's GMTV in the early 2000s and later taking to the dancefloor in the 2008 series of Strictly Come Dancing. He is currently a presenter on radio station LBC. The 61-year-old is a regular fixture in the living rooms across the nation during Wimbledon fortnight, so, here, we take a look at Castle's personal life and some of the controversial moments he's been embroiled in to date. Family life including actress daughter Castle has been married to flight attendant Sophia since 1991, with the pair having met during the Tokyo Open during his tennis-playing days. Their daughters have taken very different paths, but both have carved out impressive lives in their own right. His eldest daughter, Georgina, 32, is a rising star of the West End. After making her screen debut in New Tricks in 2012, she landed her first West End lead role in Mamma Mia! five years later. Since then, she has featured in productions such as Twist and Shout, Elf, 9 to 5 and Cinderella. She recently starred as Regina George in Mean Girls and is set to play Lucy in the upcoming 50 First Dates: The Musical. Article continues below Georgina also found love through theatre, meeting fellow actor Simon Lipkin while working on Elf in 2022. The couple got engaged in October 2024, with Lipkin proposing at their home in a moment he captured on video. Castle's younger daughter, Claudia, has kept a lower profile but inherited her father's passion for sport. She now works in commercial partnerships at Tottenham Hotspur and previously spent time working at Wimbledon. In 2019, Claudia married cricketer William Tavaré. The couple now have two children, Louis and India. Grandmother Sophia has shared the joy of becoming a grandparent on social media, calling baby India 'the best little sister for the bear cub'. Feud with neighbour Earlier this year, the Daily Mail reported that Castle was facing strong opposition from neighbours over plans to demolish a 1930s cottage and build a £5 million luxury mansion in Cobham, Surrey. He was reported to have wanted to replace the modest property with a home three times the size, featuring an upstairs gym, swimming pool and Juliette balcony. But next-door neighbours Richard and Taya Cunningham — who run a high-end jewellery business — slammed the proposal as 'wholly unacceptable' in a 12-page letter of objection, raising concerns over loss of privacy, light and views. They also hired a planning agent and claimed they were barely consulted and described the build as 'overbearing' and 'unneighbourly'. A further objection was raised that a proposed Juliette balcony in Castle's new home will result in "significant overlooking'" of their own swimming pool and "private area" surrounding it. Castle, who sold a nearby development for £7.25m, insisted the plans are in keeping with the area. In a planning statement submitted as part of the plans, Castle's architect, Andrew Long, said: "It is not considered that the amenities of the neighbours would be adversely affected in terms of loss of light or overbearing impact arising from the development due to the generous size of the plot. "The property proposed will be of high quality and the proposed dwelling will also provide adequate levels of amenity to future occupiers, without compromising the residential amenity of neighbouring properties." Sexist remark accusations Castle found himself at the centre of controversy during Wimbledon 2016 after making an off-the-cuff remark about British player Marcus Willis' girlfriend, Jenny Bate, a dental surgeon. Commentating for the BBC, Castle quipped: "My dentist doesn't look like that," prompting a backlash on social media, with some viewers labelling the comment sexist. One X user at the time wrote: "@bbctennis any chance Andrew Castle could cut out the horribly creepy and sexist remarks?" Initially dismissive, Castle responded to another critic by 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 backtracked and issued an apology on X, then Twitter, writing: "Obviously never mean to upset anyone. If I did then I apologise." Apology after mistake on BBC commentary Castle this week apologised after repeatedly using the wrong name for US football star Trinity Rodman during a Wimbledon broadcast, sparking backlash online. Castle referred to Rodman — who is the girlfriend of American tennis player Ben Shelton — as "Tiffany" several times during Shelton's fourth-round clash with Lorenzo Sonego on Monday. Social media users slammed the mistake, calling it careless and accusing Castle of showing a 'lack of care' and even a 'microaggression.' Rodman, 22, who is a US international footballer and Olympic gold medallist, is the estranged daughter of NBA legend Dennis Rodman. Castle also referenced her father during the broadcast, saying: 'Her father is Dennis Rodman, who's one of the greatest sportsmen of all time in my opinion. "The greatest rebounder in NBA history and the biggest wind-up merchant of all time.' The remarks drew criticism online, with many questioning the relevance of mentioning Dennis Rodman given Trinity's well-documented distant relationship with him. Taking on social media afterwards, Rodman wrote: 'My name is Trinity for those who don't know." She added: 'My dad's not even in MY life, no need to bring him up during HIS matches when I don't even want him talked about during mine. "It's him and his loved ones' moment. Thank you.' In a statement, a BBC spokesperson said: 'Andrew apologises for mispronouncing Trinity Rodman's name during the Ben Shelton vs. Lorenzo Sonego match.' Why he quit GMTV For TV lovers of a certain vintage, Castle will be best known for his long-running stint on GMTV. The ITV hit saw Castle present alongside the likes of Kate Garraway, Penny Smith, Ben Shephard, Eamonn Holmes, Lorraine Kelly and Fiona Phillips. After a decade on the sofa, though, Castle announced he would leave the show in 2010. At the time, he said: "With all the changes taking place at GMTV I felt it was time for a new chapter in my life as well." He added that he had enjoyed "a fantastic 10 years" on the show. Article continues below The station had announced that a major revamp which would see Adrian Chiles as its main presenter, with then GMTV boss Alison Sharman saying Castle "has been a vital and central part of the presentation team".
North Wales Chronicle
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- North Wales Chronicle
Emmerdale's Matthew Wolfenden hints at return to ITV soap
Matthew Wolfenden, who played David Metcalfe, left the show after nearly two decades in 2023. His character left the village after he found out his son Jacob Gallagher (Joe-Warren Plant) was having a secret romance with his ex-girlfriend Victoria Sugden (Isabel Hodgins). It was reported at the time that Wolfenden's exit was due to him 'not getting any gritty storylines' and that his next career move would be in theatre, as he went on to star as Buddy in Elf The Musical that Christmas. A post shared by Lewis Nicholls (@lewisjnicholls) But now, the 45-year-old has hinted at a return to the soap following the show's dramatic storylines in recent weeks. Matthew said that a possible storyline would be David dealing with the aftermath of the death of his former partner Leyla Harding (Roxy Shahidi), who died following the tragic limo crash in February. Matthew told Inside Soap magazine: "I would definitely go back to 'Emmerdale'. "The big pull would have been to revisit the relationship again with Leyla." Next week: Sarah battles the anxiety of a looming cancer diagnosis, Moira's farm is under threat, and will Belle unravel John's secrets? Read more here: Matthew and Roxy, 42, became close friends on the set of Emmerdale and currently work together on their podcast 'Celebrity Side Hustles'. Matthew's exit in 2023 also came after his then wife Charley Webb, who played Debbie Dingle, had also left the soap after 21 years in 2021. Recommended reading: Emmerdale's Oliver Farnworth's partner is EastEnders star Emmerdale's Bradley Ritches almost played this ITV soap star Emmerdale turned upside down by young icon's unexpected baby announcement The pair were married off-screen for five years and have three children together. They announced their split in late 2023. Speaking at the time, Matthew said: 'I'm so nervous about leaving Emmerdale, but almost two decades, it feels like the right time. 'The door's left open, they're not killing me off. Who knows, I might be back. Yeah, but we will see."
Yahoo
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Emmerdale star who quit soap 2 years ago hints at return in wake of limo crash
A popular Emmerdale star has hinted at a return to the ITV soap after an emotional exit two years ago. Matthew Wolfenden, who played David Metcalfe, left the show after nearly two decades in 2023. His character left the village after he found out his son Jacob Gallagher (Joe-Warren Plant) was having a secret romance with his ex-girlfriend Victoria Sugden (Isabel Hodgins). It was reported at the time that Wolfenden's exit was due to him 'not getting any gritty storylines' and that his next career move would be in theatre, as he went on to star as Buddy in Elf The Musical that Christmas. But now, the 45-year-old has hinted at a return to the soap following the show's dramatic storylines in recent weeks. Matthew said that a possible storyline would be David dealing with the aftermath of the death of his former partner Leyla Harding (Roxy Shahidi), who died following the tragic limo crash in February. Matthew told Inside Soap magazine: "I would definitely go back to 'Emmerdale'. "The big pull would have been to revisit the relationship again with Leyla." Next week: Sarah battles the anxiety of a looming cancer diagnosis, Moira's farm is under threat, and will Belle unravel John's secrets? Read more here: — Emmerdale (@emmerdale) May 16, 2025 Matthew and Roxy, 42, became close friends on the set of Emmerdale and currently work together on their podcast 'Celebrity Side Hustles'. Matthew's exit in 2023 also came after his then wife Charley Webb, who played Debbie Dingle, had also left the soap after 21 years in 2021. Recommended reading: Emmerdale's Oliver Farnworth's partner is EastEnders star Emmerdale's Bradley Ritches almost played this ITV soap star Emmerdale turned upside down by young icon's unexpected baby announcement The pair were married off-screen for five years and have three children together. They announced their split in late 2023. Speaking at the time, Matthew said: 'I'm so nervous about leaving Emmerdale, but almost two decades, it feels like the right time. 'The door's left open, they're not killing me off. Who knows, I might be back. Yeah, but we will see."
The Herald Scotland
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Herald Scotland
Emmerdale's Matthew Wolfenden hints at return to ITV soap
His character left the village after he found out his son Jacob Gallagher (Joe-Warren Plant) was having a secret romance with his ex-girlfriend Victoria Sugden (Isabel Hodgins). It was reported at the time that Wolfenden's exit was due to him 'not getting any gritty storylines' and that his next career move would be in theatre, as he went on to star as Buddy in Elf The Musical that Christmas. But now, the 45-year-old has hinted at a return to the soap following the show's dramatic storylines in recent weeks. Matthew said that a possible storyline would be David dealing with the aftermath of the death of his former partner Leyla Harding (Roxy Shahidi), who died following the tragic limo crash in February. Matthew told Inside Soap magazine: "I would definitely go back to 'Emmerdale'. "The big pull would have been to revisit the relationship again with Leyla." Next week: Sarah battles the anxiety of a looming cancer diagnosis, Moira's farm is under threat, and will Belle unravel John's secrets? Read more here: — Emmerdale (@emmerdale) May 16, 2025 Matthew and Roxy, 42, became close friends on the set of Emmerdale and currently work together on their podcast 'Celebrity Side Hustles'. Matthew's exit in 2023 also came after his then wife Charley Webb, who played Debbie Dingle, had also left the soap after 21 years in 2021. Recommended reading: The pair were married off-screen for five years and have three children together. They announced their split in late 2023. Speaking at the time, Matthew said: 'I'm so nervous about leaving Emmerdale, but almost two decades, it feels like the right time. 'The door's left open, they're not killing me off. Who knows, I might be back. Yeah, but we will see."
Wales Online
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
Former Emmerdale star Matthew Wolfenden drops hint he could return to soap after quitting
Former Emmerdale star Matthew Wolfenden drops hint he could return to soap after quitting The 45-year-old actor quit his role as David Metcalfe on the ITV1 soap in 2023 (Image: ITV ) Matthew Wolfenden would "definitely" return to 'Emmerdale'. The 45-year-old actor quit his role as David Metcalfe on the ITV1 soap in 2023 after he got offered the role of Buddy in 'Elf The Musical' in London's West End because bosses told Matthew to pick either between 'Emmerdale' or the musical due to the soap's no pantomime rule. His character left the village in November 2024 after he found out his son Jacob Gallagher (Joe-Warren Plant) was having a secret romance with his ex-girlfriend Victoria Sugden (Isabel Hodgins). Matthew admits he would be open to a return to 'Emmerdale' and an instant storyline would be his alter ego David dealing with the aftermath of the death of his former lover Leyla Harding - played by Roxy Shahidi - who died following a limo crash on the February 19 episode. Matthew told Inside Soap magazine: "I would definitely go back to 'Emmerdale'. "The big pull would have been to revisit the relationship again with Leyla." Article continues below Matthew and Roxy, 42, became close friends on the set of 'Emmerdale' and they are working on the second season of their podcast, 'Celebrity Side Hustles'. The pair decided to start doing the podcast after they chatted on 'Emmerdale' about what else they could do. Matthew explained: "In our downtime between filming, we were chatting about what else we could do - and we both love listening to podcasts." Roxy added: "We were always doing these side hustles - I had yoga and Matt had a toy business - and we wondered what our friends were up to. "Then that turned into 'Celebrity Side Hustles!'" And Roxy admitted it was "quite nerve-wracking" being the interviewer instead of the guest because of her eagerness to talk. Article continues below She said: "It was quite nerve-wracking. And I had to learn how to shut up! I have a habit of getting a bit too excited." And Matthew loves the opportunity of getting to know their guests more, including their 'Emmerdale' co-star, Dominic Brunt (Paddy Kirk). He said: "It's been so fun to learn about our guests. I sat next to Dominic Brunt [Paddy] for 18 years, but you don't get the chance to have these hour-long chats because you're going back on set."
