Eurovision fans delighted that UK will host contest for the first time since 1998
Eurovision 2023 will be hosted in the UK–and fans could not be more excited.
Although this will be the ninth time the UK has hosted the Eurovision Song Contest, it’s the first time since 1998.
Next year will be the first chance many young fans will have to attend the annual song contest in person without having to travel internationally.
And while many details are still up in the air, such as which city will host and who will present the show, Eurovision fans have been quick to make their feelings clear.
Fans of the song contest already have strong opinions on who should–and shouldn’t–present the competition.
Jack Remmington said: “ALISON HAMMOND TO PRESENT EUROVISION 2023”
ALISON HAMMOND TO PRESENT EUROVISION 2023
— jack rem x (@jackremmington) July 25, 2022
Ellen C Scott is hoping for a Love Island-Eurovision crossover: “We must get Ekin-Su HEAVILY involved in Eurovision. Competing, hosting, I don’t care how.”
we must get Ekin-Su HEAVILY involved in Eurovision. Competing, hosting, I don’t care how
— Ellen C Scott (@EllenCScott) July 25, 2022
Sean Bernard said: “They need to deploy the army to stop James Corden getting anywhere near Eurovision.”
They need to deploy the army to stop James Corden getting anywhere near Eurovision
— Sean Bernard (@seanbgoneill) July 25, 2022
As cities across the UK are bidding to be the host, some left-field suggestions are also being thrown around.
Supermarket chain Aldi jokingly volunteered itself, saying: “nominating the middle aisle as host.”
nominating the middle aisle as host #eurovision https://t.co/ndwt6XKwFB
— Aldi Stores UK (@AldiUK) July 25, 2022
Others joked about the logistics of the UK hosting, following Brexit and the airport chaos we’ve seen this summer.
Tiernan Douieb said: “Great that the UK is going to host Eurovision next year. That’ll definitely ensure our entry wins, mainly because all the other acts will have to spend the duration of the show stuck in passport queues at the airport.”
Great that the UK is going to host Eurovision next year. That'll definitely ensure our entry wins, mainly because all the other acts will have to spend the duration of the show stuck in passport queues at the airport.
— Tiernan Douieb (@TiernanDouieb) July 25, 2022
Matthew Highton said: “Looking forward to Eurovision starting four days late next year to allow everyone competing to get through border control.”
Looking forward to Eurovision starting four days late next year to allow everyone competing to get through border control.
— Matthew Highton (@MattHighton) July 25, 2022
The UK will host the Eurovision song contest after Sam Ryder came second in this year’s competition, which took place in May.
Usually, the winner’s home country will host the following year’s contest, but Ukraine is unable to host amid the conflict in the country.
However, Ukraine will be celebrated throughout the show, organisers have said.
Tim Davie, BBC Director-General, said: “It is a matter of great regret that our colleagues and friends in Ukraine are not able to host the 2023 Eurovision Song Contest. Being asked to host the largest and most complex music competition in the world is a great privilege.
“The BBC is committed to making the event a true reflection of Ukrainian culture alongside showcasing the diversity of British music and creativity. The BBC will now begin the process to find a host city to partner with us on delivering one of the most exciting events to come to the UK in 2023.”
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