The UK is set to host the Eurovision Song Contest next year on behalf of Ukraine, the BBC has confirmed, and according the bookies, Glasgow is the favourite city to host the competition.
Organisers of the event decided that it could not be held in the winning country due to the ongoing conflict following Russia's invasion. Since the UK were runners up, the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) opened talks with the BBC about where to hold the contest next year.
In a statement, the broadcaster said this week: "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."
Several cities up and down the country are all set to take part in a competitive bidding process including Glasgow, Manchester, Sheffield and London. OLBG Entertainment betting expert Steve Madgwick revealed that Glasgow is currently the favourite.
He said: “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 added: “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.”
After the announcement was made that the UK would host the event, 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.
“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.”
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. Lorraine Kelly even weighed in on the debate, asking organisers to consider the V&A in Dundee to host the contest.
Commenting on a fantastic photo of the design museum, she wrote “Glorious and a venue for @Eurovision?”
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