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Eurovision mystery over sudden withdrawal of Doctor Who star Ncuti Gatwa from results showcase
Meanwhile, more than 70 former Eurovision acts have signed an open letter calling for reconsideration about one nation's inclusion
MYSTERY surrounds the sudden withdrawal of Doctor Who star Ncuti Gatwa from tonight’s Eurovision results showcase.
On Thursday the actor, 32, pulled out of delivering the UK’s jury scores — just 48 hours before the 69th annual song contest kicks off in Switzerland, watched by some 160million viewers.
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Ncuti — who has been an outspoken supporter of Palestine — stepped aside moments after Israel qualified for the grand final.
The BBC confirmed he would no longer be involved, citing “unforeseen circumstances”.
Singer Sophie Ellis-Bextor will take his place.
Earlier in the day, Israel’s entry in the competition — Yuval Raphael, 24, who survived the Hamas terror attack on October 7, 2023 — was disrupted when protesters in the crowd blew whistles and waved Palestinian flags as she rehearsed her track, New Day Will Rise.
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The rowdy audience members were quickly turfed out by guards.
Eurovision bosses said they have further tightened security for the big event, amid growing tensions over a row about Israel’s involvement.
Organisers, who had already banned all flags apart from those of competing nations, said extra measures let Yuval perform uninterrupted in the semi-final.
Yesterday, director of the European Broadcasting Union, Martin Green, explained: “We did have to tighten up search security.
Unfortunately, people were concealing oversized flags and whistles.”
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Bags are banned from tonight’s venue, the St Jakobshalle arena in Basel, where guests must pass through airport-style security scanners and could be subject to body searches.
More than 300,000 fans are expected to descend on the city for the annual pop extravaganza.
Inside Israel's huge Eurovision security operation as Hamas survivor qualifies for Basel final after pro-Palestine demo - JM
About 200 people took part in a peaceful anti-Israel protest outside the venue on Wednesday, but cops expect more demonstrations this evening.
Despite Israel being fifth favourite to win the contest, the EBU has committed to a “wider discussion” about its participation in future.
More than 70 former Eurovision acts, including the UK’s 2023 entry, Mae Muller, have signed an open letter calling for reconsideration about Israel’s inclusion.
Last year’s winner Nemo, who will perform tonight, said: “Israel’s actions are fundamentally at odds with the values Eurovision claims to uphold — peace, unity and respect for human rights.”
Others have blasted Israel’s treatment in the contest. Swiss police received a complaint over an alleged threatening gesture made towards Yuval during Sunday’s Eurovision parade.
The contest airs live on BBC One tonight from 8pm. Girl band Remember Monday are on eighth for the UK, with What The Hell Just Happened?
Sweden’s Kaj are the bookies’ favourites to win the contest.
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