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mmy-winner and Ted Lasso star Hannah Waddingham has been announced as the co-host for this year’s Eurovision song contest.
Waddingham will be joined by Alesha Dixon and Ukrainian singer Julia Sanina in presenting the two semi-finals on May 9 and 11.
Eurovision legend Graham Norton will also be joining the trio for the grand final on May 13.
Waddingham called it “a great privilege” to be involved in such a prestigious event.
She added: “It’s one of the world’s greatest music festivals. But this year, perhaps more than ever, it is such a great honour to be standing shoulder to shoulder with Ukraine, a country which has carried itself with such strength and unity.”
The UK will host Eurovision in 2023, as 2022 winners Ukraine are unable to host the song contest following Russia’s invasion.
Ukraine’s Kalush Orchestra won the song contest last May, while the UK’s Sam Ryder was the runner-up with his hit song Space Man.
Traditionally, Ukraine would be the next host but, due to the conflict in the country, the UK will step up to host instead.
Mykola Chernotytskyi, head of the managing board of the broadcaster, said in a statement: “The 2023 Eurovision Song Contest will not be in Ukraine but in support of Ukraine. We are grateful to our BBC partners for showing solidarity with us.
“I am confident that, together, we will be able to add Ukrainian spirit to this event and, once again, unite the whole of Europe around our common values of peace, support, celebrating diversity, and talent.”
UK fans of Eurovision will be wondering how they can get their hands on tickets, as it’s the first time they can attend the show without having to travel internationally since 1998.
Here is everything we know about when the contest is, where Eurovision 2023 will be held, and how to get tickets.
When is the Eurovision Song Contest 2023?
The Eurovision Song Contest 2023 will kick off on May 9, 2023, with the first semi-final.
The second semi-final will take place a couple of days later, on May 11.
And the winner of Eurovision 2023 will be crowned at the end of the final on May 13.
Where is the Eurovision Song Contest being held?
It has been revealed that Liverpool will host this year’s Eurovision Song Contest. The event will take place in the 11,000-capacity M&S Bank Arena.
The announcement that Liverpool beat Glasgow to host the competition was made by Graham Norton on the BBC’s The One Show.
Birmingham hosted Eurovision in 1998 – the last time it took place in the UK – but it has also been hosted by London, Edinburgh, and Brighton.
Eurovision moments – In pictures
How to get tickets for Eurovision 2023
Tickets for Eurovision 2022 went on sale on April 7, ahead of the first jury show on May 9. There were tickets available for nine shows, including the semi-finals and the grand final itself.
On the official Eurovision website, it explains: “Ticket prices, availability, and even the ticket provider, will take a little longer to decide while organisers evaluate how much space is needed for the production inside the venue.
“Because the Eurovision Song Contest is a live TV production, some sections of the seating may need to be altered to make way for cameras, technical equipment, and the stage.”
Organisers have revealed that more information about this year’s tickets will be available at the end of February. Eurovision fans will likely be able to register for an account with the ticket sellers and will be able to sign up for notifications when they go on sale. Fans can also follow Eurovision on social media or sign up for a newsletter to be the first to know.
How much are tickets for Eurovision 2023?
We don’t know how much ticket prices will be yet this year but, for Eurovision 2022, costs varied depending on the show and the category.
Tickets for the Eurovision live final ranged from €150 (£132) to €350 (£308), while tickets for the family show (which took place earlier the same day) ranged from €40 (£35) to €150 (£132). Tickets for the jury shows and semi-finals ranged from €20 (£18) to €250 (£220).
Those buying tickets could only buy four per show, and they had to provide their name and personal details.
The names on the tickets could only be changed once and any reselling had to happen through an official platform, to prevent ticket scalpers from buying up the tickets to sell them for profit.
