The BBC has announced that Sophie Ellis-Bextor will replace Ncuti Gatwa as the United Kingdom's spokesperson for the Eurovision Song Contest 2025 due to "unforeseen circumstances".
The announcement came on Thursday evening during the second semi-final, where the UK act Remember Monday performed for the first time.
Gatwa, the 32-year-old Doctor Who and Sex Education star, had been due to reveal the points given by the UK national jury to other contestants during Saturday's grand finale in Basel, Switzerland.
Ellis-Bextor, who is also a BBC Radio 2 DJ, will now step into the role previously held by stars such as Joanna Lumley, Catherine Tate, and Amanda Holden.
BBC Doctor Who: Ncuti Gatwa plays the current regeneration of the character BBCEllis-Bextor expressed her enthusiasm for the role, saying: "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!" (sic)
The BBC shared the news via social media, stating: "Due to unforeseen circumstances, unfortunately, Ncuti Gatwa is no longer able to participate as Spokesperson during the Grand Final this weekend.
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"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."
It's safe to say the news has caused quite a debate among Eurovision fans who flocked to the ceremony's Instagram page to share their thoughts on the last-minute substitution.
"I love Sophie, but they should've had another Dr Who actor, seeing as it's all tied in with both shows this weekend," one critic said.
"Glad Sophie can step in, she will do a great job," a second argued, which prompted a third to agree: "Sophie will do a grand job!"
And a fourth took aim at Gatwa for pulling out: "His loss, our gain! At least she's relevant to music!!!" (sic)
Before the final on Saturday, a Eurovision-themed episode of Doctor Who titled The Interstellar Song Contest will air, and having Gatwa on board for the actual ceremony was part of the collaboration.
The sixth episode in the current season will see The Doctor (Gatwa) and companion Belinda Chandra (Varada Sethu) travelling to the 803rd Interstellar Song Contest.
The special episode features planets from across the universe competing for the top prize and is co-hosted by TV and radio presenter Rylan Clark.
Remember Monday are this year's UK Eurovision entry BBCIrish TV host Graham Norton, often referred to as the "King of Eurovision", also makes an appearance in the episode.
The timing of the episode coincides with Gatwa's originally planned appearance as the UK spokesperson.
Remember Monday will be representing the United Kingdom this year with their entry What The Hell Just Happened?. The country-pop girl group performed during Thursday's second semi-final.
As a member of the Big 5, the United Kingdom will automatically perform in the Grand Final on Saturday, May 17.
Ncuti Gatwa has also reportedly decided to quit the role of the Doctor
BBCRemember Monday is formed of Charlotte Steele, Holly-Anne Hull, and Lauren Byrne. The trio, formerly known as Houston, formed in 2013 when they met while studying at The Sixth Form College Farnborough, changing their name to Remember Monday in 2018.
Their first major television appearance was in 2019, when they participated in The Voice UK, reaching the quarter-finals under Jennifer Hudson's mentorship.
