Eurovision Song Contest presenter Julia Sanina admitted she was speechless after arriving in Liverpool and witnessing the scale of the city celebrating Ukraine.
Julia joins Hannah Waddingham, Alesha Dixon and Graham Norton as this year's lead presenters, with all four meeting in Liverpool ahead of the contest to discuss the event programme and their personal excitement. The Ukrainian artist, of The Hardkiss fame, struggled to put into words how touching it was to see the city transform in celebration of her people's art and culture.
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She said: "It was heartwarming and it made me feel speechless. Very friendly people and a friendly city and I'm sure that Liverpool can rule the party and can make this party a Ukrainian party as well."
Hannah explained how moved she was by the Ukrainian spirit which is why she said acting as host was a great honour. The actress said: "Last year, people were voting from the bomb shelters hits me more than anything and it's the reason I wanted to get involved.
"Meeting the horrific things we know that are going on, and I don't want us to shy away from that, but meeting it with love and joy and music and all our hands holding each other up."
Julia added: "United by music." Britain's Got Talent panellist Alesha Dixon added: "It's so much more than just a competition. It's very important. We feel a responsibility to [host] with joy and love."
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