Eurovision 2023: Graham Norton, ‘Ted Lasso’ star Hannah Waddingham to host
This year's grand final takes place in Liverpool on May 13
The hosts for the 2023 Eurovision Song Contest have been announced, with Ted Lasso star Hannah Waddingham, Alesha Dixon, Ukrainian singer Julia Sanina and Graham Norton confirmed for presenting duties.
The former trio of stars will present both semi-finals (May 9, 11) with Norton joining for the grand final on Saturday, May 13.
The annual competition is set to take place at Liverpool’s M&S Bank Arena, with the United Kingdom hosting on behalf of last year’s winners, Ukraine, due to the ongoing invasion by Russia.
“There’s something really special about Eurovision,” Waddingham said in a statement. “It’s one of the world’s greatest music festivals, but this year, perhaps more than ever, 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. It is my great privilege to join Eurovision this year of all years.”
For the first time, Norton will be joined by a co-commenter, Mel Giedroyc, on voiceover duties, while Scott Mills and Rylan will be assisting in semi-finals commentary coverage.
“It’s no secret how much I adore Eurovision, I truly believe it’s the greatest show on earth and every year that I’m involved it’s a huge honour,” Norton said. “This year is even more special and I personally feel a big responsibility to make our Ukrainian colleagues proud.
“Alongside presenting the Grand Final to the world, I just couldn’t resist the opportunity to get back into the commentary box for those watching in the UK!”
Giedroyc added that she was “looking forward to taking one of the best seats in the house” and “bringing the Eurovision banter with Mr Norton”.
Dixon said that there’s “just something about the buzz and anticipation of a live show that can’t be rivalled”.
“Eurovision delivers that excitement, creativity and talent, but on a vast, global scale”.
Sanina, meanwhile, said she was ” 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.”
Earlier this month, the stage for this year’s competition was revealed, which has been designed to look like a wide huge.
According to a press release, it was designed to “demonstrate how music can transcend borders and bring people together as one unit”.
More than 160million people are reportedly expected to tune in to watch the competition from around the world.