Rumours that Glasgow might host the 2023 Eurovision Song Contest have gone into overdrive after the UK was officially 'lined up' for the mega event.
The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) has released a statement confirming that they will now "begin discussions" with the BBC over the UK potentially hosting next year's event - which will be the 67th edition of the contest.
As winner of this year's event in Turin back in May, Ukraine, was being lined up to host the competition next year as per tradition, which dictates that the winning country traditionally hosts the following year's event.
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Since the UK finished second thanks to Sam Ryder's 'Space-Man' track, the country is being provided the opportunity to play host to the 2023 Eurovision Song Contest, "in accordance with the rules and to ensure the continuity of the event".
The EBU statement reads: “The Eurovision song contest is one of the most complex TV productions in the world, with thousands working on, and attending, the event and 12 months of preparation time needed.”
It said, after a lengthy investigation, the required guarantees could not be provided by Ukraine’s public broadcaster and expressed “sadness and disappointment” that next year’s contest could not be held in Ukraine.
“As a result of this decision, in accordance with the rules and to ensure the continuity of the event, the EBU will now begin discussions with the BBC, as this year’s runner-up, to potentially host the 2023 Eurovision song contest in the United Kingdom.
“It is our full intention that Ukraine’s win will be reflected in next year’s shows. This will be a priority for us in our discussions with the eventual hosts.”
The revelation has ramped up what was already growing speculation that the OVO Hydro could host next year's event - a rumour which began after eagle-eyed Eurovision fans spotted a 'blacked-out' section of the OVO Hydro calendar for May 2023.
The speculation prompted a response from OVO Hydro bosses, who labelled it "it’s purely fan speculation".
Following today's announcement by the EBU, Glasgow's found itself quickly trending again on Twitter within the Eurovision chat across the continent - with some going as far to reserve hotel rooms in the city for next year.
Nicola Sturgeon was also quick to offer up Glasgow as a potential venue, tweeting: 'We wish @Eurovision could be in Ukraine but understand that in circumstances this isn’t possible. However, I can think of a perfect venue on banks of the River Clyde!!
@scotgov is happy to discuss with BBC, @GlasgowCC @EBU_HQ and others."
One person tweeted: "Have I just reserved hotels in Glasgow on average Eurovision weekends just incase. Too right I have.
Another wrote: "Besties what are the most likely cities to host Eurovision then? Already got hotels booked in Glasgow. Where else? I am so excited by this as a concept."
A third tweeted: "This is regrettable, but the now likely situation of Eurovision 2023 being hosted in Glasgow could be an amazing moment - in part to show the UK being the sort of place it's capable of being, but more so to have the honour of hosting a hopefully fully Ukrainian production."
And a fourth wrote: "I think it's all about Glasgow 2023 now!"
The EBU usually announces the Eurovision host city between July-October, so we might not need to wait too long to found out if next year's event will be coming to Glasgow.
