The Eurovision Song Contest is the biggest night in European music and host Hannah Waddingham warned they'll be plenty of pressure on this year's acts.
Both semi-finals, on May 9 and 11, broadcast on BBC One and BBC iPlayer will be presented by Alesha Dixon, Julia Sanina and Hannah Waddingham with Eurovision legend Graham Norton joining the musical trio on stage for the Grand Final on Saturday, May 13.
Speaking to Mirror.co.uk and other press, Hannah shared a message for all of those waiting to perform on this year's stage in Liverpool
The Ted Lasso actress said: "I have to say this without swearing - make it count now. Make it count, you are never going to be on a bigger stage in your life. Make us remember you and then some - pressure."
Alesha joked: "It is like where do you go from there after you've performed in front of 165 million people? It kind of goes downhill really but start as you mean to go on."
For the first time since 1998, the United Kingdom will play host to the 2023 contest and will do so on behalf of last year’s winners Ukraine who are unable to host due to the ongoing war.
The BBC have promised a night which will see the UK and Ukraine united through music with links to the host country interwoven throughout the semi-finals and Grand Final.
During the Eurovision Flag Parade of all 26 Grand Finalists, everyone will be treated to a unique performance by some iconic past Ukrainian Eurovision contestants while the second semi-final's interval will include a performance titled ‘Music Unites Generations’, exploring the connection between generations of Ukrainians and the music they love.
Fans should also look out for exciting Eurovision-themed programmes throughout the week including a legendary Eurovision figure making an appearance in Albert Square.
Kate Phillips, BBC Director of Unscripted said: “We couldn't be more proud and excited to give our audiences such a huge array of world class Eurovision content. It's an honour for the BBC to host the show on behalf of Ukraine, and we're committed to do them proud. The level of collaboration and coordination across so much of the output is truly amazing. Let the Eurovision Song Contest begin!”
