Two days after it was announced that something would be announced, and one day after it was supposed to be announced, the hosting and commentary lineup for Eurovision 2023 has been announced!
All was revealed on Zoe Ball’s Breakfast Show on BBC Radio 2 on Wednesday morning – where she announced the hosts of the semi-finals and grand final!
Additionally, the commentary team, and other hosting duties have been revealed by the BBC – let’s look at it together!
Who’s hosting the Semis and Final?
Three women are hosting the Semi Finals, with a well known Eurovision legend joining them for parts of the Grand Final!
Julia Sanina is a Ukrainian singer, composer and front woman of The HARDKISS, an alternative band, which has won many awards in Ukraine and nominations in European award ceremonies.
Hannah Waddingham is a British actress and singer, starring in Apple TV comedy Ted Lasso, and is well-known for her Broadway appearances in Spamalot, The Wizard of Oz, and Into The Woods. She has also starred in Game Of Thrones and Sex Education.
Alesha Dixon is a British singer and dancer, and is very well known for being a judge on Britain’s Got Talent and Strictly Come Dancing. She has already got some hosting experience fronting Comic Relief and The Greatest Dancer.
Alongside the female trio, Graham Norton will co-host the Grand Final on Saturday 13th May. He is of course best known for providing the BBC’s Grand Final commentary since 2009, when he took over from Terry Wogan.
So what happens with commentary then?
You may be wondering who will commentate for the Grand Final if Graham Norton is hosting.
Fear not, fellow Eurovision fan – the BBC have a plan.
Semi-Finals will again have commentary by Scott Mills and Rylan, where for the first time in the UK’s Eurovision history, both semi-finals will be broadcasted live on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
For the Grand Final, Graham Norton will be taking turns with comedian Mel Giedroyc in the commentary booth.
Who else is in the lineup?
Excellent question, Eurovision fan.
Timur Miroshnychenko, who has commentated on Eurovision in Ukraine since 2007, and hosted in 2017 live from Kyiv, will be a Eurovision Correspondent in Liverpool.
He will host the Opening Ceremony alongside Liverpudlian and former field hockey player Sam Quek!
What have the Eurovision 2023 family said?
Graham Norton said that it’s a “huge honour” for him to be involved this year, and said he “couldn’t resist the opportunity to get back into the commentary box for those watching in the UK!”
Julia Sanina said she is “thrilled” to host the Eurovision this year, and added that she is “so excited to showcase Ukrainian culture and creativity”.
Hannah Waddingham said it is “such a great honour to be standing shoulder to shoulder with Ukraine, a country which has carried itself with such strength and unity”.
Alesha Dixon said to be bringing the shows to people watching across the world is “HUGE”.
Zoe Ball said in her radio show that more announcements are to come, including ticket dates and the UK entry!
