Eurovision 2023: Lulu backs Glasgow and Mel B backs Leeds as celebs react to shortlist

Celebrities including Lulu and Mel B have reacted to the shortlist of potential host cities in the UK for Eurovision 2023.

Earlier today, BBC Radio Two announced the seven cities which have made it to the final stage of the selection process to host the contest — due to be held in the UK next year for a record ninth time.

Britain was given the opportunity to stage the event after 2022 winners Ukraine were deemed unable to safely fill their traditional hosting job due to the ongoing Russian invasion.

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It has now been officially announced that either Birmingham, Glasgow, Leeds, Liverpool, Manchester, Newcastle or Sheffield will be given the honour of hosting in May 2023.

Eurovision legend Lulu, who won the contest in 1969, told Good Morning Britain that she was backing Glasgow — the city where she grew up.

She said: "I am excited about it, especially because of Ukraine. My heart and everyone’s heart goes out to Ukraine and this is chance to represent them and do right by them."

Scottish first minister Nicola Sturgeon, unsurprisingly, also backed the Glasgow bid, writing on Twitter that "it's got to be Glasgow".

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Among the other cities on the shortlist was Leeds, which was welcomed by Spice Girls singer Mel B in an interview with Press Association.

She said: "I’d love to see Leeds as the venue for Eurovision. It’s a great city bursting with great people and fantastic character – the perfect backdrop for an iconic show like Eurovision."

TV presenter Gabby Logan also stepped up to fly the flag for Leeds, telling the Yorkshire Evening Post: "We are a city that has for centuries welcomed people from all over the globe with open arms.

"In a region with one of the largest Ukrainian populations in the UK outside of London, the city stands ready and able to put on a dazzling show with our Ukrainian family."

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Singer Sonia, who represented the UK at the 1993 contest, also appeared on Good Morning Britain and offered her backing to Liverpool.

"We have the music heritage of the world. It's just gonna be massive. It's got to be Liverpool," she said.

Cheryl Baker of 1981 winning act Bucks Fizz, meanwhile, was more diplomatic when the GMB team asked her which city should be selected.

"I think probably it’ll go to Manchester because the BBC is massive in Manchester," she said.

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Baker added: "But it would be great to come to Liverpool because of The Beatles and such a musical heritage. Equally, Birmingham because it’s the middle of the country."

Glasgow is currently the bookies' favourite according to Betfair, ahead of Birmingham and Liverpool in second or third place.

Watch: Birmingham reacts as Eurovision 2023 shortlist is announced