BBC's Eurovision coverage halted as Graham Norton issues important message

BBC’s coverage of the 2024 Eurovision Song Contest was briefly stopped by Graham Norton.

As has come tradition, Graham, 61, took a moment to raise a glass to the millions watching in the UK and pay tribute to Sir Terry Wogan. The Eurovision legend died back in 2016 at the age of 77.

Sir Terry led the BBC coverage of the famous singing competition as commentator between 1971 and 2008. Graham took on the honour the following year replacing Sir Terry.

Read more: BBC Yorkshire star admits to feeling 'stupid'

As has become tradition, Graham has raised a glass and given a toast to Sir Terry when the ninth act performs. Explaining the Eurovision Song Contest gesture, Graham said: “For those who aren’t aware, song number nine is famous because Sir Terry always warned me not to have anything to drink until that point.”

Just ahead of Estonia performing at Eurovision 2024, Graham paid tribute to Sir Terry. He said: “This is the moment in the contest every year I would urge you to reach for a glass or a mug in a toast to the man who always was and always will be the real voice of Eurovision. Sir Terry. Sir Terry Wogan.”

Many viewers took to X to show their toast photos and take part in the emotional tribute.

We saw @LieselBullas post: “Cheers Sir Terry #song9 #EUROVISION.” Another viewer @rainycat wrote: “Song #9 time to raise a glass to Terry Wogan and I'm enjoying Estonia #EUROVISION #Eurovision2024.”

While @Poshaudrey posted: “To Sir Terry Wogan #Song9 #Eurovision2024 #Eurovision #eurovision24.” Another fan @m0patop commented: “Terry would've loved Estonia #Eurovision.”

Another fan @WayfairnPilgrim said: “Graham never fails to acknowledge the late great Terry Wogan...The original voice of #Eurovision!”

This year’s UK Eurovision Song Contest representative is Olly Alexander. Famous for his work with Years and Years, Olly’s song entry is Dizzy.

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