RTE star Marty Whelan reckons the UK might opt to have Graham Norton present the Eurovision – after the UK confirmed it would host the song contest on behalf of Ukraine.
The 2023 Eurovision Song Contest will be held in the UK next year, the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) and the BBC have confirmed.
In a statement the EBU said it would be held on behalf of this year's winning broadcaster, Ukraine’s UA: PBC.
Read More: UK will host Eurovision Song Contest instead of Ukraine after BBC agrees to step in
Speaking on RTE’s News at One, Marty – who commentates for Ireland at the Eurovision each year – said we could see Norton host the annual spectacle.
He said: “The BBC taking it on is very very good news. Sam Ryder obviously did very well for the UK… but I suppose it is logical obviously not to have the event in the Ukraine.
“The BBC don’t take on sponsors so there would have to be financial help for them in this regard but you know as well as I do they will do a superb job and very likely will have an Irish presenter.
“It won’t be me but I would’ve thought that Graham Norton would’ve thrown his hat into the ring fairly lively,” he said.
Marty thinks that the Song Contest won’t be in London, and suspects they will aim to host it in Manchester or Leeds as it is the city of culture next year.
Marty said whoever hosts it will see a huge financial boost to the city.
“You’ve 40 countries taking part, everybody has their delegation so you’ve all that hoo-ha. All the fans who travel literally from all over the world and now America so it’s a huge event when it comes to any city," he added.
On Monday, a statement from BBC Director General Tim Davie confirmed the UK will host next year’s Eurovision.
He said: "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.
"The BBC is committed to making the event a true reflection of Ukrainian culture alongside showcasing the diversity of British music and creativity.
"The BBC will now begin the process to find a host city to partner with us on delivering one of the most exciting events to come to the UK in 2023."
Mykola Chernotytskyi, head of the managing board of Ukrainian broadcaster UA:PBC, said: "The 2023 Eurovision Song Contest will not be in Ukraine but in support of Ukraine.
"We are grateful to our BBC partners for showing solidarity with us.
"I am confident that together we will be able to add Ukrainian spirit to this event and once again unite the whole of Europe around our common values of peace, support, celebrating diversity and talent."
The bidding process to select the host city will begin this week and will be jointly managed by the BBC and EBU.
The winner would require a large events space, suitable accommodation and international transport links for the competing countries and their delegations.
Sheffield City Council was among the first to announce a bid, saying on Twitter: "We've told Eurovision we’d love to host… watch this space."
Manchester City Council confirmed it was also putting in a bid with its leader Bev Craig tweeting: "A world class music city, brilliant venues, experience in hosting major events, and of course one of the UK’s largest Ukrainian populations – we are confident we will make it a #eurovision to remember."
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