Doctor Who's Gatwa pulls out of key Eurovision role

GREG EVANS Doctor Who star Ncuti Gatwa has unexpectedly pulled out of presenting the UK jury vote during the Eurovision Song Contest final, with Sophie Ellis-Bextor stepping in at the last minute.

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The BBC cited only "unforeseen circumstances" for the change an announcement that coincides with rising controversy around this year’s event. Protests erupted during Thursday night’s rehearsal in Basel, where six demonstrators waving flags and blowing whistles interrupted Israeli contestant Yuval Raphael’s preview performance.

Raphael, who survived the Hamas attacks of 7 October, said she anticipated a hostile reception but was determined to perform her song, “New Day Will Rise”. Gatwa, 32, had been announced as the UK’s official Eurovision spokesperson earlier this month, in a move that formed part of a Doctor Who crossover timed for tonight’s final. No further reason was given for his departure.

A BBC statement about Gatwa’s departure from the coverage said: “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.”