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The BBC has announced Ncuti Gatwa’s replacement as Eurovision Spokesperson ‘due to unforeseen circumstances’.
The 32-year-old actor – who will also be appearing in a Eurovision-themed Doctor Who episode prior to the Grand Finale on Saturday – was meant to deliver the UK’s jury vote on the night.
However, the BBC has confirmed he has been replaced by 00s pop icon Sophie Ellis-Bextor.
The broadcaster wrote: ‘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.’
No further reason has been given for the last-minute change.
The Sex Education star was announced as the original spokesperson at the beginning of May in a ‘fabulous collision’ to coincide with the Interstellar Song Contest which will also star Eurovision host Rylan Clark and talk show legend Graham Norton.
The British pop star who has stepped in to take over had herself been a hot favourite to be the UK act after her throwback tune, Murder on the Dance Floor enjoyed a renaissance in the charts thanks to its inclusion in 2023’s Saltburn.
Although she may not be taking to the stage, she’ll be reading out the jury’s verdict instead.
In a statement, she 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!’
Tonight is the second semi-final ahead of this weekend’s festivities with pop trio Remember Monday – Lauren Byrne, Holly-Anne Hull, and Charlotte Steele – representing the UK in 2025.
In an interview with Metro, the singers revealed the positive attitude they were entering the arena with.
‘‘You just have to accept that everything you do isn’t going to be loved by everyone. We can’t be for everyone and that’s fine,’ Holly-Anne said.
Charlotte added: ‘We built a following online and have had a few negative comments, but we turned them into something funny.’
Much like last year, this year’s song contest has been rocked with controversy over the inclusion of Israel with ongoing protests calling for their withdrawal including calls from multiple former Eurovision contestants.
Last year’s winner, Nemo, told HuffPost UK: ‘I personally feel like it doesn’t make sense that Israel is a part of this Eurovision. And of Eurovision in general right now.
‘I don’t know how much I want to get into detail, but I would say, I don’t support the fact that Israel is part of Eurovision at the moment.’
They later elaborated in a statement: ‘Israel’s actions are fundamentally at odds with the values that Eurovision claims to uphold — peace, unity, and respect for human rights.’
Eurovision will be available to watch on Saturday May 17 on BBC One.
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