Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Liverpool Echo
Liverpool Echo
Entertainment
Kate Lally

Eurovision fans praise 'dream team' as Rylan's co-host announced

Rylan Clark will return to Liverpool at the end of the month for a live Eurovision event, and he'll be joined by a celebrity friend.

A live, invited audience will watch as a draw determines which country will compete in which semi-final of the singing competition, when it takes place in May. It will also decide which semi-final the big five (Spain, UK, France, Germany and Italy) will vote in, as well as 2022 winners Ukraine.

The programme will also see the Mayor of 2022 Host City Turin, Stefano Lo Russo hand over the official keys of the Eurovision Song Contest, known as the Insignia, to the Mayor of Liverpool, Joanne Anderson and will be the night the 2023 Contest’s unique look and slogan is unveiled.

READ MORE: Sex Pistols' John Lydon competing to represent Ireland in Eurovision

Accompanying Rylan to front the event will be his former Strictly It Takes Two co-star AJ Odudu. They will also be joined by young people from a local Liverpool school and members of the Ukrainian community who have settled in Liverpool since the outbreak of the conflict.

Sharing the news on Instagram, Rylan simply said: "Let’s get @eurovision 2023 started." He also posted a graphic of himself and AJ superimposed onto a background featuring Liverpool's Albert Dock.

Fans were clearly loving the partnership. Sadie said: "Oof, dream team!", while Charlotte said: "Can't wait", and Kate said: "What a great team".

The Eurovision Handover and Allocation Draw will take place at 7pm on January 31, on BBC Two and BBC iPlayer

Receive newsletters with the biggest and breaking TV and showbiz news by signing up here

READ NEXT:

A Place in the Sun's Jasmine Harman 'speechless' after buyers' Liverpool split

The Chase contestant turns to Bradley Walsh and asks to stop show

Little-known passport rule that may stop you travelling to Europe

Gogglebox's Mica Ven admits 'struggling' after quitting show

Coronation Street Roy Cropper star's exotic home and surprising life away from ITV show

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.