Graham Norton is 'set to reveal the Eurovision 2023 UK host city'

Graham Norton is ‘set to reveal the Eurovision 2023 UK host city’ with Sam Ryder on The One Show – as Glasgow and Liverpool battle it out

Graham Norton has revealed that he will announce the UK host city of Eurovision 2023 on Friday. 

Speaking on the The Chris Evans Breakfast Show on Thursday, Graham said he will reveal where the song contest will be held on Friday night’s The One Show, which starts at 7pm. 

He said he would discuss the news with singer Sam Ryder, 33, who represented the UK in the competition and placed second overall after Ukraine. 

A big announcement! Graham Norton has revealed that he will announce the UK host city of Eurovision 2023 on Friday night’s The One Show

‘Myself and Sam, on Friday night, we will be discussing where Eurovision is going to be on the telly — because we’ll know by then,’ Graham said.

‘I hope this is ok to say. But yes I am. Unless I’m not supposed to say this, and in which case someone else – Sam Ryder will be there opening an envelope,’ he joked.

Graham, 59, said he doesn’t yet know the city named as host just yet and will find out with the public. 

In the know: He said he would discuss the news with singer Sam Ryder, 33, who represented the UK in the competition and placed second overall after Ukraine (pictured at the contest)

Last month, the BBC announced that Liverpool and Glasgow are the two cities in contention to host next year’s Eurovision. 

Ukrainian entry Kalush Orchestra triumphed at the 2022 competition in Turin, Italy, but the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), which produces the annual event, decided the show cannot be safely held in the country following Russia’s invasion. 

Either Liverpool or Glasgow will host the 67th Eurovision Song Contest after the UK was given the chance to host the event for the ninth time – more than any other country – after Sam Ryder came second in the competition.

In August a list narrowed down from 20 UK cities who initially submitted an ‘expression of interest’ was released by the BBC, with applicants across all four regions demonstrating how they would reflect Ukrainian culture, music and communities.

Winners: Ukrainian entry Kalush Orchestra (pictured) triumphed at the 2022 competition in Turin, Italy, but the EBU decided the show cannot be safely held in the country following Russia’s invasion

Battling it out: Last month, the BBC announced that Liverpool and Glasgow are the two cities in contention to host next year’s Eurovision. Liverpool is pictured

Of the seven cities named in August, six were in England, one in Scotland, with Belfast failing to make the cut for Northern Ireland.

Requirements included ‘a suitable venue and sufficient space to deliver the requirements of the Song Contest’, necessary commitment to the contest including a financial contribution, and ‘alignment with the BBC’s strategic priorities as a public service broadcaster’.

Liverpool, which has been a UNESCO City of Music since 2015, is synonymous with The Beatles and has a rich music heritage.

The leader of Glasgow City Council has said the city has ‘everything it takes’ to host Eurovision after the shortlist was announced. 

The Eurovision song contest will take place in May next year. 

Which city will win? Either Liverpool or Glasgow will host the 67th Eurovision Song Contest after the UK was given the chance to host the event for the ninth time. Pictured is Glasgow

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