UK to host Eurovision Song Contest in 2023 on behalf of Ukraine

The UK will host the Eurovision Song Contest in 2023, it has been confirmed.

Next year’s contest will be held in a UK city on behalf of Ukraine, which was ruled out from hosting “with deep regret” by the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) due to “safety and security issues” caused by the war with Russia.

It was announced last month that the UK, which placed second at this year’s Eurovision, had been asked to take over as host during the ongoing conflict.

Eurovision organisers said representatives will work with the BBC to incorporate Ukrainian elements into the show.

Sadiq Khan, mayor of London, tweeted that “London is ready and willing to step in”, while Bev Craig, leader of Manchester city council, confirmed that Manchester would also be bidding.

Eurovision organisers have said that because of the country’s 2022 win, Ukraine will automatically qualify for the grand final alongside the Big Five; the UK, France, Germany, Italy and Spain.

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