UK in line to host Eurovision on behalf of Ukraine in 2023

By Neil Wilkes, Editor-in-chief | 19 June 2022

The BBC confirms that it will enter talks about hosting next year's Eurovision Song Contest in lieu of Ukraine being able to do so.

The BBC has confirmed that it will enter talks about hosting next year's Eurovision Song Contest on behalf of 2022 winners Ukraine.

Following Kalush Orchestra's victory in Turin last May, Ukraine earned the right to host the 2023 edition - although the country's invasion by Russia cast severe doubt on whether it would be safe and possible to do so.

Now the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) has announced that in light of the ongoing war it has concluded "with deep regret" that the country will not be able to stage the contest in 11 months' time.

A statement added: "As a result of this decision, in accordance with the rules and to ensure the continuity of the event, the EBU will now begin discussions with the BBC, as this year's runner up, to potentially host the 2023 Eurovision Song Contest in the United Kingdom.

"It is our full intention that Ukraine's win will be reflected in next year's shows. This will be a priority for us in our discussions with the eventual hosts."

Ukrainian broadcaster UA:PBC replied by saying that it was "disappointed" in the EBU's announcement and insisted that it could host a safe contest, calling upon the organisation to hold "further negotiations".

A BBC statement said: "We have seen the announcement from the EBU. Clearly these aren't a set of circumstances that anyone would want. Following their decision, we will of course discuss the BBC hosting the Eurovision Song Contest."

The UK last hosted Eurovision in 1998 in Birmingham.

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