Viewers can look forward to a “treasure trove of brilliant content” from stars including Graham Norton, Rylan and Sara Cox as they present coverage of the 70th anniversary of the Eurovision Song Contest, the BBC has said.
With programmes across TV, radio and digital, audiences will be able to stay updated on the progress of this year’s UK entry, Look Mum No Computer with his song Eins, Zwei, Drei.
The contest takes place in Vienna, Austria, after Austrian singer JJ won last year’s event with Wasted Love.
A total of 35 countries will compete during the live semi-finals on May 12 and 14, with the top 10 countries from each competition going through to the Eurovision Grand Final on Saturday May 16.
As one of the pre-qualified “big four” countries – along with Germany, France and Italy – the UK has a guaranteed place in the grand final, as does Austria as the reigning Eurovision champions and host.
The Grand Final will be broadcast live from 8pm on BBC iPlayer, BBC One, BBC Radio 2 and BBC Sounds.
Norton said: “It feels really special to be back, gently guiding viewers through the grand final in this very momentous 70th anniversary year.”
Angela Scanlon will also present coverage, while former Drag Race UK winner Tia Kofi will be the face of the BBC’s digital channels.
Kalpna Patel-Knight, head of entertainment at the BBC said: “The BBC continues to be the home of Eurovision in the UK, and this year we’re once again offering a treasure trove of brilliant content for audiences to enjoy as we celebrate the 70th anniversary of the contest across the BBC on our platforms.
“Eurovision is one of the most popular events of the year, especially with younger audiences, and it brings the nation together for an unmissable night of joy.
“I am so excited for audiences to discover what our UK act Look Mum No Computer has in store for what is sure to be an unforgettable performance.”
The semi-finals will be broadcast live on BBC iPlayer and BBC One, and will be presented by Rylan and Scanlon from the Wiener Stadthalle arena in Vienna.
Rylan said: “It’s the 70th Eurovision Song Contest and the biggest show on the planet.
“Being part of anything this big is something younger me could never have imagined.”
Scanlon said: “It feels like joining the greatest party on earth – equal parts thrilling and terrifying.
“I grew up watching the Eurovision Song Contest with my three sisters, making very serious (and wildly biased) score cards from the couch, so to now be part of it – especially in its 70th year – is genuinely surreal.
“It’s one of those shows that’s always been there, evolving but never losing its magic or madness.
“I’ve been lucky enough to dip my toe into the Eurovision world before, so it feels great to be doing it again, just with higher heels and a few more sequins.”
Listeners can also tune in to live coverage of the semi-finals on Radio 2 and BBC Sounds, while other special shows will be broadcast including Sophie Ellis-Bextor’s Eurovision Kitchen Disco on May 15.
The BBC said Eurovision continues to be one of the most-watched TV spectacles of the year, with last year’s grand final reaching an average audience of 7.1 million people in the UK.
This year’s acts include Finland’s collaboration between renowned classical violinist Linda Lampenius and singer Pete Parkkonen, as well as popstar Delta Goodrem who is representing Australia.
San Marino have recruited Boy George to perform alongside singer Senhit, while Dara from Bulgaria will return to the contest after a three-year absence with her song Bangaranga.
