Yahoo News Eurovision 2023: Alesha Dixon and Hannah Waddingham among new hosts
The BGT judge and the Game Of Thrones star will join Ukrainian singer Julia Sanina to host the semi-finals.
Alesha Dixon and Hannah Waddingham have been announced among the new hosts of Eurovision 2023.
The Britain’s Got Talent judge and the Game Of Thrones star will join Ukrainian singer Julia Sanina will host the two live Semi-Finals of the Eurovision Song Contest on Tuesday 9 and Thursday 11 May from Liverpool.
Graham Norton, 59, will return to host the final on Saturday 13 May, alongside Dixon, Waddingham, Sanina as well as former The Great British Bake Off host Mel Giedroyc.
Read more: When is Eurovision 2023? Everything we know as BBC hosts announced
Pop singer Dixon, 44, said: "I’ve performed all over the world and there is just something about the buzz and anticipation of a live show that can’t be rivaled. Eurovision delivers that excitement, creativity and talent, but on a vast, global scale. I remember watching the Eurovision Song Contest on the TV when I was small, so to be there bringing the Grand Final and Semi Finals to people watching across the world is HUGE."
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Ted Lasso star Waddingham, 48, added: “There’s something really special about Eurovision which is why I’ve been an avid fan for years - from the camaraderie of all the acts backstage, to the epic scale of the show. It’s one of the world’s greatest music festivals, but this year, perhaps more than ever, it is such a great honour to be standing shoulder to shoulder with Ukraine, a country which has carried itself with such strength and unity. It is my great privilege to join Eurovision this year of all years.”
Sanina, 32, is the frontwoman of alternative band The HARDKISS who took part in the national selection to represent Ukraine at Eurovision and came second. She has been a finalist in Dancing with the Stars and a judge on The X Factor in her country.
She said: "I am thrilled to present the Eurovision Song Contest Semi-Finals and Grand Final. I’m so excited to showcase Ukrainian culture and creativity, and to help put on a show to make my country proud. I can’t wait to get to Liverpool and meet the fans and the rest of the Eurovision family."
They will be joined for the semi-finals by return hosts and Eurovision experts Rylan, 34, and Scott Mills.
Also among the presenting line-up will be Liverpudlian presenters Claire Sweeney and Sam Quek, and Ukrainian Eurovision commentator Timur Miroshnychenko.
Read more: How many times has the UK won Eurovision?
The UK is hosting the song contest as UK entrant Sam Ryder came second in 2022, to winning country Ukraine, which is unable to host due to the ongoing Russian invasion.
