David Farnor | On 24, Feb 2023

The BBC has announced its team to host the 2023 Eurovision Song Contest, and the star names include Hannah Waddingham, Graham Norton and Julia Sanina.

The BBC accepted the invitation to be the host nation for the 67th edition of the annual music competition, after a number of options were explored by Ukrainian broadcaster UA: PBC, following the Ukraine’s victory in 2022.

Presenting the Grand Final (13 May) to a global audience of 160 million will be Eurovision legend Graham Norton, Ukrainian singer, composer and frontwoman of The HARDKISS alternative band Julia Sanina, actress Hannah Waddingham, and singer-songwriter, pop star and TV presenter Alesha Dixon.

Presenting the two live Semi-Finals (9 and 11 May) from Liverpool will be the trio of musical superstars Julia, Hannah, and Alesha.

Ukrainian broadcaster Timur Miroshnychenko will be the Eurovision Correspondent in Liverpool, appearing in VT inserts during the live shows plus giving live insights from Ukraine’s commentary box in the Liverpool Arena. Alongside Liverpudlian presenter Sam Quek, he will front the Opening Ceremony live stream on the official Eurovision Song Contest YouTube Channel.

For the Grand Final commentary on BBC One and BBC iPlayer, Graham Norton and actress and comedian Mel Giedroyc will take turns in the commentary box to bring those watching at home their unique and expert views on the 2023 acts.

For the first time in the UK’s Eurovision Song Contest history, both Semi-Finals will be live on BBC One and BBC iPlayer, with radio DJs and Eurovision experts Scott Mills and Rylan bringing UK audiences their colourful and insightful commentary.

A special commentary team on BBC Radio Merseyside will include Claire Sweeney and the winner of The Voice of Eurovision talent search, which is currently underway to discover new Scouse talent.

Kate Phillips, BBC’s Director of Unscripted, says: “The BBC is thrilled to have such a talented line-up bringing the Eurovision Song Contest from Liverpool – on behalf of Ukraine – to the world. One thing that truly unites us all is music, and we’re proud to have a team – who are well accustomed to the worlds of music, performing and live broadcasting – as part of our Eurovision presenting family.”

 

UK to host Eurovision 2023

26th July 2022

The UK will officially host Eurovision 2023 on behalf of Ukraine, following an invitation from the European Broadcasting Union.

The BBC has accepted the invitation to be the host nation for the 67th edition of the annual music competition, after a number of options were explored by Ukrainian broadcaster UA: PBC.

The BBC has promised to create and deliver a unique Eurovision Song Contest that will reflect Ukraine’s victory in Turin in May 2022 as well as showcasing the UK’s vibrant music scene. The show will celebrate the culture and heritage of Ukraine as the winners of the 2022 Contest, alongside the Eurovision’s proud tradition of celebrating diversity through music.

The two Semi-Finals and Grand Final will be produced by BBC Studios, who were previously commissioned to produce Eurovision 2023 coverage before there were any discussions about the Song Contest coming to the UK. The BBC will also “seek additional programming and content from producers across the market”, with further details to follow. Also joining the list of unanswered questions is how the cost of hosting the competition will be met, with the BBC under growing financial pressure from the government.

Kate Phillips, Director of Unscripted at the BBC, says: “We are honoured that we have been asked to take on hosting duties for the 67th Eurovision Song Contest on behalf of Ukraine. Clearly the set of circumstances our colleagues find themselves in is not what we wanted but we will work with UA: PBC and the other participating broadcasters to deliver a special event that has glorious Ukraine at its heart.”

The bidding process to select the host city for the Song Contest will begin this week, which the BBC will manage alongside the EBU.

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