He's been the voice of Eurovision since 2009 but now Graham Norton will host the main event when it comes to Liverpool in May. The Irish chat show host will front the 2023 Eurovision Song Contest alongside Britain's Got Talent's Alesha Dixon, Ted Lasso and West End star Hannah Waddingham and Ukrainian singer Julia Sanina.
As announced on Zoe Ball's BBC Radio 2 show on Wednesday, February 22, the three new celebrities will be hosting the semi-finals on Tuesday, May 9 and Thursday, May 11 and the final on Saturday, May 13, for which they will be joined by Graham. For those worried that
The international music show will take place at the M&S Bank Arena Liverpool in May after the city was chosen to host the competition on behalf of 2022 winners Ukraine following the Russian invasion.
Broadcaster Zoe Ball, 52, announced the news on her BBC Radio 2 breakfast show on Wednesday.
She said: “Last time the Eurovision was in the UK back in 1998 hosted by our dear Sir Terry Wogan and Ulrika Johnson, last year in Turin of course Alessandro Cattelan, Laura Pausini and Mika, in those fabulous bright suits.
“On the TV hosting the Eurovision Song Contest final in Liverpool will be Alesha Dixon, the Ukrainian singer Julia Sanina, the award-winning actress from Ted Lasso and Games Of Thrones Hannah Waddingham and someone you may well know, Mr Graham Norton.
“While Graham is on the TV because he’ll be doing the presenting, he will have a little bit of help from the commentary box – Mel Giedroyc will be there as well, on hand to be his glamorous assistant.”
Hannah, who won the 2021 Emmy for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series, said: "There’s something really special about Eurovision which is why I’ve been an avid fan for years - from the camaraderie of all the acts backstage to the epic scale of the show."
Although Ukraine won Eurovision in 2022, due to the current conflict and Russian invasion the competition is being held in Liverpool as the UK came second place with Sam Ryder's Spaceman. Julia said: "I’m so excited to showcase Ukrainian culture and creativity, and to help put on a show to make my country proud. I can’t wait to get to Liverpool and meet the fans and the rest of the Eurovision family."
Other presenters covering Eurovision for the BBC include Mel Giedroyc, Rylan, Scott Mills and Claire Sweeney and Sam Quek to offer a uniquely Scouse perspective on the show. You can keep up to date with the latest TV and showbiz news by signing up to the newsletter here.
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