**Andrew Castle: Wimbledon Broadcaster’s Family, Controversies, and Departure from GMTV**
Andrew Castle, a former British number one tennis player and long-serving commentator, remains a prominent figure during Wimbledon, lending his voice and insights to BBC’s coverage each summer. However, his career and personal life have often courted public interest not just for his tennis expertise, but also for a series of controversies and unique personal achievements.
Castle’s transition from professional sport to the world of media has been seamless. During his playing days, one of his standout achievements was reaching the Australian Open mixed doubles final in 1987 with Anne Hobbs. Upon hanging up his racket, Castle shifted into broadcasting, taking up the reins on ITV’s popular morning programme, GMTV, throughout the early 2000s. He also made a foray into reality television, joining the cast of Strictly Come Dancing in 2008. These days, Castle hosts a programme on LBC radio and is regularly seen or heard on BBC sport – particularly Wimbledon.
On the personal front, Castle’s family life is equally accomplished. He has been married to Sophia, a former flight attendant, since 1991 – their romance sparked when Castle met her at the Tokyo Open. Their two daughters have followed differing but equally impressive paths. The elder, Georgina, aged 32, is an established performer in London’s West End. Having first appeared on television in the series “New Tricks” in 2012, Georgina swiftly moved into musical theatre, landing notable roles in productions such as “Mamma Mia!”, “Elf”, “9 to 5”, and “Cinderella”. Most recently, she starred as Regina George in “Mean Girls”, and will soon take the lead in “50 First Dates: The Musical”. Off-stage, Georgina became engaged to fellow actor Simon Lipkin in late 2024, a romantic proposal at their home captured on video.
Castle’s younger daughter, Claudia, has preferred a lower profile career, working in commercial partnerships for Tottenham Hotspur and previously at Wimbledon. Her life off the pitch includes marriage to cricketer William Tavaré in 2019 and raising two children, Louis and India. Sophia, the girls’ mother, has often shared her happiness at the growing family on social media, welcoming grandchild India as “the best little sister for the bear cub”.
Yet, Castle’s life away from the courts and studio has not been without discord. Earlier this year, he became embroiled in a neighbourhood row in Cobham, Surrey, where he sought to replace an existing 1930s cottage with a £5 million modern home, complete with a gym and swimming pool. The plans drew ire from neighbours Richard and Taya Cunningham, luxury jewellers, who branded the development “unacceptable” in a 12-page objection letter, complaining of its potential impact on privacy, light, and views. Further, they retained a planning agent and contended they were inadequately consulted, labelling the project “overbearing” and “unneighbourly” – particularly criticising a Juliet balcony that would overlook their swimming pool. Castle’s camp holds that the design is appropriate for the area, with his architect affirming the new dwelling would be of high quality and not negatively affect neighbouring home owners’ amenities.
Controversy has also followed Castle over his on-air comments. In 2016, he was rebuked for an offhand remark during a Wimbledon broadcast, referencing Marcus Willis’ partner Jenny Bate, who works as a dentist. Castle quipped, “My dentist doesn’t look like that,” a comment that was widely condemned as sexist and “creepy” by viewers on social media. At first, Castle responded defensively, dismissing his critics as “humourless,” but he later issued an apology for any offence caused.
A more recent gaffe unfolded during the 2025 Wimbledon tournament, when Castle repeatedly referred to US footballer Trinity Rodman as “Tiffany” during commentary, and referenced her famous father – NBA icon Dennis Rodman – despite their well-known estrangement. Many accused Castle of displaying insensitivity and carelessness. Trinity Rodman herself responded on social media, asking for commentators to focus on her accomplishments and those of her tennis star boyfriend, Ben Shelton, rather than her father. The BBC issued a statement acknowledging Castle’s mispronunciation and expressing regret.
For many viewers, though, Castle is best remembered for his decade-long stint on GMTV, fronting the show until 2010 alongside industry names such as Kate Garraway and Eamonn Holmes. At the time of his departure amid a wider refresh of the programme, Castle expressed his gratitude for ten “fantastic years” but remarked that looming changes prompted him to seek a new challenge.
Castle remains a regular figure in both sporting and entertainment circles, offering expert tennis analysis while continuing to provoke strong opinions—both supportive and critical—among viewers and neighbours alike. With a career straddling sport, media and the stage through his family, Castle remains one of the UK’s more intriguing public figures.