Eurovision celebrations are in full swing in Liverpool this week as thousands head to enjoy the festivities.
With crowds gathering at the M&S arena, the live shows will also be broadcast to a crowd of 15,000, with the rest of the city holding their own, independent viewing parties. All semi-final shows are to be broadcast on BBC One with the final in just a few days time.
The Eurovision Song Contest 2023 will run from Tuesday, May 9 until the grand final on Saturday, May 13.
READ MORE: Eurovision Liverpool: Live updates as crowds gather to watch Sophie Ellis-Bextor in John Lewis
Hosted by Alesha Dixon, Hannah Waddingham and Julia Sanina - we have put together everything you need to know about the three taking to the stage to welcome the popular international competition.
Hannah Waddington
The London-born actress will bring with her a level of sophistication crafted from her years on the West End and opera influences laced throughout her family tree. Hannah originated the role of The Wicked Witch of the West in the West End's Wizard of Oz, owning the world's debut performance of Andrew Lloyd Webber's track Red Shoe Blues in 2011.
Over the course of her two-decade career, the 48-year-old has bagged herself multiple best actress Olivier award nominations for roles in Spamalot, A Little Night Music and Kiss Me Kate. You may also have seen her on TV in shows including Game of Thrones and Sex Education.
Now adding Eurovision presenter to her meticulous resume, the actress is proud to be a part of the world's biggest music community. She previously said: "There’s something really special about Eurovision which is why I’ve been an avid fan for years - from the camaraderie of all the acts backstage, to the epic scale of the show.
Alesha Dixon
Alesha Dixon is a 44-year-old singer, rapper, dancer, television personality, and author who started her career in R&B band Mis-teeq. The group made the charts with hits such as Scandalous and All I Want.
But Alesha went solo following the band split back in 2005 and has made television appearances on Strictly Come Dancing and Britain's Got Talent as a judge.
Alesha Dixon was chatting to contestants who had already performed their songs when she showed off her own talents on Monday where she said: "Eurovision is back, we are in the UK."
She later added: "Listen, Liverpool, let me hit you with the facts and I'll talk you through some really iconic acts. Greta Thunburg's mum in 2009, San Marino's Valentina performed four times, in the city of Kyiv, Sobral swept the board with the most points in history a contestant ever scored. Dana and Conchita, yeah, they really changed the game."
Julia Sanina
Ukrainian singer Julia Sanina is known for her band The HARDKISS as they dominated the European music scene. . The band were honoured for their work with an MTV European Music Award (EMA) for best act in 2012, the same year they dropped their undisputed bangers Makeup, and October.
In 2016, her band, The HARDKISS, took part in the national selection for the Eurovision Song Contest and placed second overall. The 32-year-old previously said: "I am thrilled to present the Eurovision Song Contest Semi-Finals and Grand Final.
"I’m so excited to showcase Ukrainian culture and creativity, and to help put on a show to make my country proud. I can’t wait to get to Liverpool and meet the fans and the rest of the Eurovision family.
"This year all of us will witness the unique show that UK will host on behalf of Ukraine. For me it is a joy and a huge responsibility to become the part of Eurovision family. I feel your strong support. And I am sure that even during the war we will show our beautiful culture at the highest level."
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