BBC bosses had Sophie Ellis-Bextor lined up as standby to reveal the UK's Eurovision jury results 'for some time' as they believed Ncuti Gatwa could 'change his mind', it has been claimed.
The allegation comes amid growing speculation over the Doctor Who star's abrupt withdrawal from his presenting duties on Thursday – around the same time that Israel's Yuval Raphael qualified for the final in Switzerland.
Sources have told The Mail on Sunday that executives were left 'cross' and 'exasperated' by the actor's last minute decision, and that producers were 'given no reason' for it.
There have been suggestions that Gatwa's withdrawal was linked to Ms Raphael – who survived Hamas's October 7 Nova massacre by hiding under the bodies of other festival goers – reaching the final.
A statement issued by the BBC on Thursday night said: 'Due to unforeseen circumstances, unfortunately Ncuti Gatwa is no longer able to participate as spokesperson during the Grand Final.'
