Eurovision! IN the UK?!

[RedToothBrush]

https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2022/jun/17/uk-is-asked-to-host-eurovision-in-2023-after-ukraine-ruled-out

We've been asked!!!

When was the last time it was here? We've hosted quite a few times, haven't we?

Well we (as in the UK) are one of 'the big five' contributers to the European Broadcasting Union so it makes sense. What would be brilliant though is that the hosts are Ukrainian or at least some of the hosts. I mean Italy had Mika as a host and he isn't Italian.

I was wondering if someone was going to post up about this.

It was on the cards the minute Ukraine won and the UK came a clear second.

The UK has hosted 8 times, last time was when Katrina & The Waves won, the competition was hosted in the UK the following year. The UK has also stepped in when other countries haven't been able to host (so it seems like the UK is the stand-by venue for this) 😄

I'm picturing the scenes now with several BBC hosts (both radio & TV) brushing up on their French, German, Spanish and Ukranian!

I think this was on the cards the minute the public vote so dramatically made Ukraine the winner.

The UK was a very clear second, and had it been left at the jury vote would have been the clear winner. So I would consider it fair and reasonable that we should host next year's competition.

The BBC has stepped in occasionally when other broadcasters have been in difficulty over hosting before. I think that happened when Johnny Logan won it several times on the trot for Ireland and the Irish broadcaster was running low on funds to keep hosting.

Makes sense. I'd hope the venue could be somewhere other than in London. The arena in Manchester would be my choice.

I wonder if they'll ask a Ukrainian presenter to come over and share the job. I know we'll be footing the bill and need to organise most of it, but it'd be nice to think Ukraine are invovled to some extent.

Rumour is Glasgow.

My first choice would be Manchester but I have to say Glasgow have crazy crowds so they would be a good choice and I can definitely go with it.

My only concern is hotels with Glasgow. Ive had trouble booking there before when theyve had big events in the city.

People wont be so keen when the costs rack up in an inflation Uk.

I think that happened when Johnny Logan won it several times on the trot for Ireland and the Irish broadcaster was running low on funds to keep hosting.
nope

It will be emotional!

Definitely should be in London.

Oh good it'll be Phil and Holly won't it

@Topseyt123 no everyone knows that when Ireland didn't want to win again they entered with 2 lovely priests called Father Ted and Father Dougal and their song 'My Lovely Horse'. It was a good song....just a bad performance on the night 😂

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Eurovision_Song_Contest_host_cities

When UK has hosted, the venues have been:

• 1960. London, Royal Festival Hall
• 1963. London, BBC TV Centre
• 1968. London, Royal Albert Hall
• 1972. Edinburgh, Usher Hall
• 1974. Brighton, Brighton Dome
• 1977. London, Wembley Conference Centre
• 1982. Harrogate, Harrogate International Centre
• 1998. Birmingham, National Indoor Arena

I think it might be time for Wales to have a turn?

Or Belfast?

Well they are contracted to ITV.

Uk presenters would be Rylan as a no brainer and almost dead cert. Then it would probably a woman who works for the BBC but has plenty of experience in live broadcast and has potential connection to music. Its not going to be a random. I think you would have to shout the likes of Lauren Lavern or AJ Odudu as possibles. But I am pretty sure there will be a Ukrainian presenter thrown into the mix somewhere.

If Rylan isnt hosting I want a refund.

Somebody find Katie Boyle and Petula Clark, fast!

Surely Graham on the night? And what about Rylan?

Downing Street welcomed the possibility of the UK hosting Eurovision if Ukraine cannot, pledging to ensure it would 'overwhelmingly reflects Ukraine's rich culture, heritage and creativity'.

'If the EBU decides the competition can't go ahead in Ukraine we would of course welcome the opportunity to work closely with Ukraine and the BBC to host it here in the UK.

'But we would be committed to ensuring it overwhelmingly reflects Ukraine's rich culture, heritage and creativity, as well as building on the ongoing partnership between our two countries.'

How about Sam Fox and Mick Fleetwood?

No Graham in the commentary box still. He too old to host and not done a lot of live broadcast tv in recent years. The Beeb will 100% go for someone under 40 as hosts as thats the audience in the UK.

It HAS to be Rylan. Scott Mills has a face for radio!

😂

Dermot for sure!

I reckon it could be Rylan, Graham Norton and Fern Cotton, or AJ who did strictly last year . Won't be Phil and Holly they were firmly ITV and Eurovision is BBC.

I've got such a mixed reaction to this. On one hand I'm sad for Ukraine, but I think this was inevitable. Also this is the first time since I really remember Eurovision like I was around in the uk in 1998 but wasn't on radar, that it's been hosted here. And going is a bucket list thing for me.

Presenters

I want: Graham Norton, Rylan and AJ Odudu

Possible candidates: Amanda Holden, Dermot O’Leary, Tess Daly, Holly and Phil (no, no, no!)