Eurovision star Sam Ryder had a vow to Ukraine that next year's contest will 'celebrate' the war torn European country as it was officially confirmed that the UK will host.
Sam did the unthinkable this year by taking the United Kingdom to the upper reaches of the leaderboard for the first time in over a decade and giving us our best finish since Imaani in 1998. His track Spaceman was second only to Ukraine entry Stefania by Kalush Orchestra.
After the conflict in Ukraine this year, they were red hot favourites with bookies months ahead of Eurovision 2022 in Turin, as the rest of Europe showed their support with their votes. It is of course tradition for the winning country from any given year to host the next contest but, it was decided last month that Ukraine wouldn't stage the 2023 event.
READ MORE : UK confirmed to host Eurovision 2023 with Newcastle in mix to host
And then on Monday, came the news from the European Broadcasting Union and the BBC that it will be the UK will hos t. The announcement sparked great excitement from fans in the UK, given that the last time Eurovision happened here was in 1998, after Katrina and the Waves victory a year earlier.
However, while sharing in the excitement, Sam also had a thoughtful message for any of his followers in Ukraine. In a TikTok video which he then shared on Twitter, Sam said: "It's Ukraine's party, we're just inviting them to host it at our house.
"I know how much it meant to Kalush and the Ukranian delegation that Eurovision would be hosted at home in Ukraine next year and I'm not the only one whose heart is heavy that this can't be the case at this moment in time."
He added: "But what I would to say to anyone watching from the Ukraine is that we know how to throw a party here in the UK and our excitement is outshone only by our focus on that one sole objective to hold space and be on hand to help wherever needed to hold an event that celebrates Ukranian history, culture and music and to stand in solidarity with the rest of the globe shining a unified light."
Once the news was revealed about the UK definitely hosting Eurovision, speculation started on which city will host next year, with early odds putting Glasgow and Manchester as favourites.
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