BBC confirm 'difficult' decision and pull out of Junior Eurovision Song Contest

Emilia Kettle
·2-min read
STAND UNIQU3 represented the UK in the Junior Eurovision Song Contest. <i>(Image: BBC/Justin Downing)</i>
STAND UNIQU3 represented the UK in the Junior Eurovision Song Contest. (Image: BBC/Justin Downing)

The BBC has today (June 21) confirmed that they will no longer be taking part in the Junior Eurovision Song Contest.

It comes as the broadcasting house, shared a statement describing the decision as "difficult" and thanking teams behind the event.

A spokesperson from the BBC told Newsquest: "We sometimes have to make difficult decisions and the BBC will not participate in the Junior Eurovision Song Contest this year.

"We would like to thank the artists and creative teams who represented the UK for the last two years."

BBC confirm exit from the Junior Eurovision Song Contest

While the BBC did not confirm their reasoning behind the decision, some Eurovision fans have suggested it might be down to viewing figures.

Freelance journalist Adrian Bradley, told X (formerly Twitter) followers that it reported the choice by the BBC was possible due to viewing figures that "didn't quite reach the heights they'd hoped for."

Fans of Eurovision shared their opinion on the matter as one X user said: "Don't think this speaks well in regards to the BBC's general attitude to Eurovision. I fear we're slipping back into Engelbert Humperdinck territory."

While another added: "It’s a shame but if the project wasn’t hitting BBC KPIs then I guess it makes sense.

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"I think the team done brilliantly to find and coach the young talent through the process. Sad, but a positive experience all round perhaps."

The Junior Eurovision Song Contest first began in 2003 in Copenhagen, Denmark where just 16 countries competed.

The UK has never won the Junior Eurovision Song Contest or hosted it but entries from the nation have done well, with previous wins including third in 2003 and high-ranking spots fourth and fifth.

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