Ncuti Gatwa Bows Out of Eurovision Spokesperson Duty for 2025 Grand Final

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MAY 05: Ncuti Gatwa attends the 2025 Met Gala Celebrating "Superfine: Tailoring Black Style" at Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 05, 2025 in New York City. Dia Dipasupil
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Ncuti Gatwa steps down as UK’s Eurovision spokesperson for 2025, with Sophie Ellis-Bextor stepping in.

Rwandan-Scottish actor Ncuti GatwaNcuti Gatwa, star of Doctor Who, was set to announce the UK’s jury scores at Eurovision 2025, but had to drop out due to “unforeseen circumstances,” as confirmed by the BBC on Instagram.

Fans expressed disappointment online, as Gatwa, 32, was anticipated to bring his signature charisma to the contest. Pop icon Sophie Ellis-Bextor stepped in as Gatwa’s replacement, saying it’s an “honour” to deliver the UK’s “douze points” during the Grand Final in Basel, Switzerland.

Meanwhile, the UK is represented by girl-group Remember Monday, whose track What The Hell Just Happened? earned major praise from fans online after Thursday’s semi-final. Gatwa’s withdrawal came as a surprise to many, with his growing popularity among younger audiences through Doctor Who generating excitement about his Eurovision appearance.

Though details about his departure remain private, Eurovision followers remain supportive, eagerly watching for Britain’s results on Saturday.