Ncuti Gatwa explains why he pulled out of Eurovision – actually withdrawing much earlier than announced

However, it was announced just some days later (on the 15th May) that the actor had withdrew from reading out the UK jury votes "due to unforeseen circumstances", being replaced by singer Sophie Ellis-Bextor.

Appearing on Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg, Gatwa was quizzed about why he chose to step back from his previously announced Eurovision role.

Gatwa explained: “That one ... it all panned out very interestingly. I pulled out of it a long time before it was announced. It was announced when it was announced, I don’t know why.

"But I was just very busy, had a lot of work schedules – a lot of press around The Roses, around Doctor Who. Yeah, there was just a lot of press."

RadioTimes.com has approached the BBC for comment.

Kuenssberg pressed the actor on his reasoning for pulling out further, saying: "There was some speculation that because there was controversy around Israel being part of the competition and there was speculation that was why you had decided not to take part – because you have before been one of many people whose expressed a lot of support for the Palestinians. Was that part of your reasoning?"

Gatwa responded: “No, I was just very busy.”

When asked whether he did tune into Eurovision at all, he replied: "I didn't, no, I was busy."

Read more:

• Ncuti Gatwa reveals whether he'd return to Doctor Who – after 'physical, emotional, mental' toll of role
• Doctor Who's Ncuti Gatwa reveals he doesn't know who the next Doctor will be

The news of Gatwa withdrawing from his Eurovision role was announced by the BBC towards the end of the second Eurovision semi-final. At the time, the BBC released a statement which read: "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."

Ellis-Bextor also said at the time: "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!"

Check out more of our Entertainment coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more from the biggest stars in TV, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.