Jump directly to the content
Video
GAME SET AND LETCH

Wimbledon commentator Andrew Castle slammed for leering over Brit tennis underdog Marcus Willis’s girlfriend

Calls for former player to be sacked after lusting over star's partner Jenny Bate live on telly

WIMBLEDON pundit Andrew Castle sparked fury yesterday after ogling player Marcus Willis’s girlfriend live on BBC1.

The married commentator said as dental surgeon Jenny Bate, 30, caught his eye: “My dentist doesn’t look like that.”

Marcus Willis girlfriend Jenny Bate
9
Cheering ... Marcus Willis's girlfriend Jenny Bate cheers on the British starCredit: PA:Press Association
Jennifer Bate arrives for the greatest tennis afternoon in the career of boyfriend Marcus Willis
9
Jenny arrives for the greatest tennis afternoon in the career of boyfriend WillisCredit: PA
Jenny encouraged Marcus to give his tennis dream one more shot when they met in March
9
Jenny encouraged Marcus to give his tennis dream one more shot when they met in MarchCredit: i-Images Picture Agency
But she remained all smiles despite her beau's defeat to one of the sport's greatest-ever players
9
But she remained all smiles despite her beau's defeat to one of the sport's greatest-ever playersCredit: Eddie Mulholland

He made the gaffe just before Brit world number 772 Willis, 25, crashed out to Roger Federer.

It sparked hundreds of online complaints.

A number called for him to be sacked for the remark which came as Castle commentated with John McEnroe.

Rebecca Ward wrote: “I love Wimbledon but Andrew Castle is a pig.” Luke Crawford added: “Sit doon ya creep.”

Roger federer (sui) v Marcus Willis
9
In his stride ... Willis was busy contending with Roger Federer when Castle made lewd remarkCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
Andrew Castle
9
Apology ... Former tennis Brit Number 1 Andrew Castle said he didn't mean to upset anyoneCredit: Rex Features

Anita Lawrie said: “Andrew Castle, you should be ashamed of that sexist 'dentist' comment.”

Beth Wright fumed: “Andrew Castle on #MarcusWillis girlfriend -- 'my dentist doesn't look like that'. Can we get back to the tennis please? #Wimbledon"

Castle, 52, a former Brit number one, apologised for his 77th minute comment, saying: “Obviously never meant to upset anyone.”

Jenny laughed off the row, tweeting: “I’m not offended.”

Jenny Bates Marcus Willis
9
Happy couple ... Jenny, 30, talked beau Marcus out of retiring from professional tennis just weeks agoCredit: Rex Features
Marcus Willis
9
Crowd-pleaser ... Brit Willis had strong support from the Wimbledon crowdCredit: Getty Images
Marcus Willis Roger Federer
9
Congrats ... Victorious Federer shakes hands with underdog MarcusCredit: EPA

Girlfriend Jenny was the only reason Willis was at the tournament at all after she talked him out of retiring weeks ago.

Their whirlwind love story only started in March when they met in a bar after he went to an Ellie Goulding concert in London.

He had been due to work as a private coach in Philadelphia but Jenny managed to get him to change his mind.

In 2013 broadcaster John Inverdale caused a BBC storm for saying Wimbledon champ Marion Bartoli was “never going to be a looker”.

Jo's troll hell

TOP-RANKED British woman Jo Konta blasted trolling yesterday, saying: “It can ruin your day.”
Jo, 25, condemned the net bullies behind the death threats and vile slurs players have faced.
She said: “It’s not a funny subject. It’s important to contact the right people about it.”
Brit No.2 Heather Watson, 24 — branded a “fatso” after her defeat on Thursday — added: “What can you do?”