Ncuti Gatwa has had to pull out of the 2025 Eurovision final due to ‘unforeseen circumstances’, it was announced on Thursday.

The Doctor Who star, 32, who was previously confirmed as the UK’s spokesperson for the song contest, will be replaced by Sophie Ellis-Bextor.

Sophie will now announce the British jury’s points for each participating country’s song on Saturday.

The BBC confirmed in an Instagram statement: ‘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.’

Previously, Joanna Lumley, Fearne Cotton, Nigella Lawson and Catherine Tate took on the spokesperson role.

Ncuti Gatwa, 32, has had to pull out of the 2025 Eurovision final due to ‘unforeseen circumstances’, it was announced on Thursday

The Doctor Who star was previously confirmed as the UK’s spokesperson for the song contest (pictured in 2024)

Sophie 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!’

Eurovision fans were all saying the same thing about UK entry Remember Monday’s semi-final performance on Thursday.

Viewers were all in agreement that the girl band ‘absolutely smashed’ their performance and are confident they could win Saturday night’s grand finale.

The group, made up of Lauren Byrne, Charlotte Steele and Holly-Anne Hull, is representing the UK with their song What The Hell Just Happened?

The trio, from Hampshire, are the first girl group to represent the UK since Prescious in 1999.

Fans shared their excitement on X for the final and were completely in support of the group.

Comments read: ‘United Kingdom – Remember Monday What The Hell Just Happened OUR GIRLS SMASHED THAT!

Sophie Ellis-Bextor will now replace Ncuti as the British jury’s points for each participating country’s song on Saturday

The BBC confirmed in an Instagram statement on Thursday: ‘Due to unforeseen circumstances, unfortunately Ncuti Gatwa is no longer able to participate as Spokesperson during the Grand Final this weekend’

Eurovision fans were all saying the same thing about UK entry Remember Monday’s semi-final performance on Thursday (Lauren Byrne, Charlotte Steele and Holly-Anne Hull L-R)

The group, made up of Lauren, Charlotte and Holly-Anne (L-R), is representing the UK with their song What The Hell Just Happened?

‘Their vocals are the best of any act in this contest. The Harmonies are lush and I loved the staging. We will be in the top 10!’,

‘There is not a single act with vocals as flawless as Remember Monday it’s actually kinda insane. Anyone who cares about vocals will be picking up their phone to vote for them this Saturday! #Eurovision’,

‘I just love how Remember Monday had smiles on their faces from start to finish Whatever happens, WE LOVE YOU GIRLS! #Eurovision2025’,

‘Slayed. Do it again on Saturday, babs! #RememberMonday #Eurovision2025’,

‘Remember Monday were fab… the song, the staging, all on point. And the VOCALS… if they can perform like that again on Saturday they can be incredibly proud no matter the position #Eurovision’,

‘Remember Monday absolutely smashed that performance – vocals, chemistry, relishing the chance to perform on such a grand stage all spot on #Eurovision2025’.

They first gained prominence after appearing on The Voice UK in 2019 and have also had careers in theatre.

The UK has a poor track record at the compeтιтion – which will be held in Basel, Switzerland – in recent years.

Viewers were all in agreement that the girl band ‘absolutely smashed’ their performance and are confident they could win Saturday night’s grand finale

Fans shared their excitement on X for the final and were completely in support of the group

They first gained prominence after appearing on The Voice UK in 2019 and have also had careers in theatre

Read More UK Eurovision hopefuls Remember Monday reveal the words of advice they were given by Olly Alexander

And if Remember Monday suffer the same fate as 2023 entrant Olly Alexander, they have decided that everyone on their team will have to get the abbreviation of their song, WTHJH?, tattooed somewhere on their body.

In a more positive sense, the group have also decided to enact the vow if they place in the top five.

‘If we get top five or above, every single person on our team has to get WTHJH tattooed on their body,’ they said on Instagram.

‘We won’t take no for an answer. Can I get a hell yeah? It’s happening, it’s happening. It’s got to happen. Or if we come ᴅᴇᴀᴅ last, nil points. That is also worth a tattoo.’

The band confirmed their bid for Eurovision when they appeared as guests on The Scott Mills Breakfast Show on BBC Radio 2 and BBC Sounds.

After weeks of waiting, Scott broke the news, saying: ‘It ain’t a Eurovision entry until I say it is. I am so ready to get behind the act that is representing us and I know you’re going to adore them. They are genuinely brilliant and really lovely.’

The song, which is out now, is an upbeat pop track full of energy, excitement and drama and was co-written by Billen Ted (Tom Hollings and Sam Brennan), Thomas Stengaard and Julie ‘Kill J’ Aagaard.

The girls look set to be onto a winning formula as BRIT Award nominees, Billen Ted, have worked with Little Mix, Anne Marie, MNEK and Armin van Buuren to name a few.