Jump directly to the content
SERVING UP THE COMMENTARY

How old is Andrew Castle? Wimbledon and LBC host who is married to wife Sophia Castle

ANDREW Castle is a former tennis player turned TV host who plays a key role in the BBC's Wimbledon coverage.

Here's what we know about the commentator and radio host.

 Former tennis player turned TV host Andrew Castle who leads the BBC's commentary team for Wimbledon
4
Former tennis player turned TV host Andrew Castle who leads the BBC's commentary team for WimbledonCredit: Getty Images

Who is Andrew Castle, how old is he and what's his background?

Andrew was born in Epsom, Surrey, in November 1963 to his mum Lavinia and fishmonger dad Frank, who ran shops in Kent, Surrey and Somerset.

At the age of nine, Andrew took up tennis and became hooked on the sport, practising for up to eight hours a day.

His parents supported his passion and when they became bankrupt, they both became taxi drivers to support their son.

At the age of 12 he was given a tennis scholarship for Millfield School in Somerset and in 1986, he became a professional tennis player.

This was after he finished his marketing degree in America after gaining an athletic scholarship.

Now 55, he's best known as the main commentator during the BBC's Wimbledon coverage and being a TV presenter.

 Andrew became a professional tennis player in 1986 and his best outing at a grand slam was reaching the third round of the US Open in 1986
4
Andrew became a professional tennis player in 1986 and his best outing at a grand slam was reaching the third round of the US Open in 1986Credit: Getty Images

How successful was Andrew Castle's tennis career?

After turning professional in 1986, he worked his way up the rankings and became the British number one.

He won three career ATP titles in men's doubles alongside Tim Wilkinson and Nduka Odizor and also represented Team GB at the Olympics in Seoul 1988 and Barcelona 1992.

His best singles performance at a Grand Slam was in 1987 when he reached the third round of the US Open but was knocked out by Boris Becker in four sets.

He reached the second round at Wimbledon in 1986 and 1987 but was unable to make it past the first round of the Australian Open in 1987, 1988 and 1991.

Andrew's highest singles world ranking was number 80 and doubles was number 45.

He retired from the sport in 1992.

 Andrew was also a presenter on former ITV breakfast show GMTV and has appeared as a contestant on Strictly Come Dancing
4
Andrew was also a presenter on former ITV breakfast show GMTV and has appeared as a contestant on Strictly Come DancingCredit: Getty Images

What TV shows has Andrew Castle appeared on?

After hanging up his racket, Andrew moved into TV becoming a commentator and presenter on Sky Sports.

But in 2000 he became a household name when he was named as a presenter on then ITV breakfast show GMTV, hosting alongside the likes of Kate Garraway and Penny Smith.

Andrew also joined the BBC, becoming a member of their tennis commentary team covering Wimbledon, Queen's Club, the French Open, the Australian Open and Davis Cup.

He has been the lead commentator on every single men's Wimbledon singles final since 2003.

In 2010, he left GMTV and now concentrates on his tennis commentary career as well as his radio show on LBC.

In 2005, he presented the quiz show Perseverance.

Castle also presented two series of the teatime game show Divided and appeared on Beat the Star in 2009.

He took part in ITV's programme 71 Degrees North in 2010.

When was he on Strictly?

In 2008, Castle competed in Strictly Come Dancing and was paired with professional partner Ola Jordan.

He made it to week seven of the competition but was eliminated after failing to impress with his samba.

 Andrew has been the lead commentator on every men's Wimbledon final since 2003 for the BBC
4
Andrew has been the lead commentator on every men's Wimbledon final since 2003 for the BBCCredit: Wimbledon/YouTube

Who is Andrew Castle married to?

Andrew met his former flight attendant wife Sophia in Tokyo while competing at the Japan Open.

They married in May 1991 and have two daughters, Georgina and Claudia.

In 2009 while on GMTV, he memorably challenged then health secretary Andy Burnham on the risks associated with drug Tamiflu during the swine flu crisis.

It came after he claimed one of his daughters almost died after taking the drug.


Have there been any controversies?

In June 2016, Castle was slammed over comments made about tennis player Marcus Willis's girlfriend.

He said about the dental surgeon: "My dentist doesn’t look like that.”

It sparked hundreds of online complaints.

Castle apologised afterwards saying: "Obviously never meant to upset anyone.”

Topics