Glasgow has emerged as the bookies' favourite to host the 2023 Eurovision Song Contest.
It was confirmed earlier this week that the UK would officially hold the singing competition next year on behalf of 2022 winners Ukraine. Usually the contest is hosted by the country that won the previous year, but Ukraine declined on account of its ongoing war with Russia.
As reported by the Daily Record, cities around the UK threw their hat into the ring, with both Glasgow and Aberdeen expressing interest in hosting. However, it looks like the former is the frontrunner.
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In a statement, the BBC said: "It is a matter of great regret that our colleagues and friends in Ukraine are not able to host the 2023 Eurovision Song Contest. Being asked to host the largest and most complex music competition in the world is a great privilege."
Manchester, Sheffield, and London are among the other UK cities that have expressed interest in holding the iconic music competition. However, OLBG Entertainment betting expert Steve Madgwick revealed that Glasgow is currently the likeliest bet.
He stated: “Glasgow remain the bookies favourites to host next year's Eurovision Song Contest with their 5/6 odds giving them a decent chance according to bookmakers.”
A Glasgow City Council spokesperson commented: “Since it became a possibility that the UK might host on behalf of Ukraine we've been working hard on our bid. We know we meet all the technical requirements, and we know Glaswegians are desperate to welcome the world with open arms.
“Time is now really short to organise the contest and, having recently hosted Cop, we know Glasgow is the safest of safe pairs of hands.”
Following the announcement that the UK would host the Eurovision Song Contest, the European Broadcasting Union released the following statement: "Following the decision that, regrettably, next year’s event could not be held in Ukraine for safety and security reasons the EBU explored a number of options with the winning broadcaster. As a result of discussions, the BBC, as runner up in the 2022 Contest, was invited by the EBU to act as Host Broadcaster for the 67th Eurovision Song Contest.
Eurovision Song Contest Executive Supervisor Martin Österdahl stated: “We’re exceptionally grateful that the BBC has accepted to stage the Eurovision Song Contest in the UK in 2023. The BBC has taken on hosting duties for other winning countries on four previous occasions.
"Continuing in this tradition of solidarity, we know that next year’s Contest will showcase the creativity and skill of one of Europe’s most experienced public broadcasters whilst ensuring this year’s winners, Ukraine, are celebrated and represented throughout the event.”
In 2022, UK's Eurovision entry Sam Ryder came in second place with his song 'Spaceman', the highest position the nation had seen in years. With Ukraine's Kalush Orchestra coming in first place, the country will automatically qualify for next year's competition.
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