The UK will host the 2023 Eurovision Song Contest it has been confirmed.
The news was confirmed by the European Broadcasting Union, EBU, which runs the contest, after investigations into the possibility of hosting in Ukraine - the 2022 winners - resulted in the decision being made that under the circumstances it was too dangerous. It was also announced that the BBC will now start the process of finding a host city.
The EBU said in a 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.
Read more: Ukraine wins the Eurovision Song Contest 2022
“We’re exceptionally grateful that the BBC has accepted to stage the Eurovision Song Contest in the UK in 2023,” said Martin Österdahl, the Eurovision Song Contest’s Executive Supervisor.
“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.”
Tim Davie, BBC Director-General added: "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. The BBC is committed to making the event a true reflection of Ukrainian culture alongside showcasing the diversity of British music and creativity.
"The BBC will now begin the process to find a host city to partner with us on delivering one of the most exciting events to come to the UK in 2023.”
The UK had their best Eurovision in years in 2022, with Sam Ryder's Spaceman coming in second to Ukraine's Kalush Orchestra. Along with the Big 5, Ukraine will automatically qualify. Bids for host city will open this week.
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