The UK is set to host Eurovision in 2023 after broadcast bosses ruled that previous winner Ukraine was unable to stage the next song contest, with the BBC in talks over organizing the event.
The competition is ordinarily hosted by the previous winner, but event organizer, the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), found that because of the ongoing war in Ukraine, the embattled nation could not host “one of the most complex TV productions in the world”.
Because the UK earned second place in the 2022 contest with an entry from Sam Ryder, it has now been earmarked as the host nation for Eurovision 2023.
The EBU stated “given the ongoing war since the Russian invasion”, and the fact that production requires “thousands working on, and attending, the event and 12 months of preparation time needed”, Ukraine could not host the contest.
It added: “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.”
A statement from the BBC said: “We have seen the announcement from the EBU. Clearly these aren’t a set of circumstances that anyone would want. Following their decision, we will of course discuss the BBC hosting the Eurovision Song Contest.”
The BBC has played a key role in the UK’s efforts in the event, providing television coverage of the competition, and also aiding the selection process for British entries.
The latest entry was Space Man by Ryder, who came second despite British acts having a history of receiving minimal points in the contest, with many crediting the UK’s support of Ukraine with swinging scores in Ryder’s favor.
Ukraine won the 2022 competition, held in Turin, with rap group Kalash's song Stefania earning a towering 631 points, compared to the UK’s score of 466.
This victory and the ongoing war in Ukraine is to be “reflected in next year’s shows”, the EBU has said.