Eurovision 2023 will be hosted in the UK next year, it has been confirmed.
It is usually tradition for the winning country to host the competition the following year, however, amid the ongoing war in Ukraine the country is not able to host as it poses a "significant risk".
However Ukraine, who won with Kalush Orchestra's performance of Stefania in the 2022 competition, has reached an agreement that the UK will be hosting the next competition as the United Kingdom came in second place following Sam Ryder's performance of SPACE MAN.
The BBC will broadcast the competition on behalf of Ukrainian broadcaster UA: PBC.
In a statement the EBU said it would be held on behalf of this year’s winning broadcaster, Ukraine’s UA: PBC.
The statement read: “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.”
Meanwhile, the BBC shared a statement to show their support to Ukraine and share their dedication to making the contest “one of the most exciting events to come to the UK in 2023”.
The BBC is planning the contest to be “unique” as it will “reflect Ukraine's victory in Turin” as well as “showcase the UK's vibrant music scene”.
A statement from BBC director-general Tim Davie 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.”
The United Kingdom last hosted the popular song contest in 1998, following Katrina and the Waves' victory with Love Shine A Light in 1997.
After it was announced the UK will host Eurovision in 2023, Culture Secretary Nadine Dorries said: “The Eurovision Song Contest unites people through the power of music and creativity.
“Following a request from the European Broadcasting Union and the Ukrainian authorities, I’m delighted that the BBC has agreed to step in and host next year’s contest.
“I’m just sorry that due to Russia’s continued acts of bloodshed it has not been possible to host the event in Ukraine, where it should be.
“As hosts, the UK will honour the competition’s spirit and diversity, and most importantly, ensure it reflects Ukraine’s recent Eurovision victory and Ukrainian creativity.”
The bidding process to select the Host City for the competition is set to begin this week, which the BBC will manage alongside the EBU.
Meanwhile Prime Minister Boris Johnson's spokesperson said although it was "deeply regrettable" the competition won't be hosted by the victor, the UK will "pull out all the stops" to make it an entertaining evening.
The PM's spokesman said: “It was the PM's strong wish to see Ukraine host next year's Eurovision contest. They were the rightful winners.
“It is deeply regrettable that a Ukraine-hosted Eurovision won't take place," the spokesman said, but said Britain would "pull out all the stops".
