Yahoo News Eurovision: BBC announces alternative Scouse commentary
Claire Sweeney and Paul Quinn will front the coverage
The BBC has unveiled its alternative Scouse commentary team for the upcoming Eurovision finals later this month.
After a lengthy audition process, the broadcaster announced that Paul Quinn would join Claire Sweeney on Radio Merseyside and the BBC Red Button.
Read more: Everything we know about Eurovision 2023
Quinn was informed of his role during The One Show where he responded by saying: "To think I can look back and say, 'it was in Liverpool and I was the voice of it for BBC Radio Merseyside' — people will think back and say, 'remember when Paul Quinn was the Voice of Eurovision?' It's brilliant."
Which #Eurovision fan will be the voice of Merseyside on the big night? @kevduala surprises Paul the winner! 🪩 🕺 #TheOneShow 👉 https://t.co/26HbnBOYJT pic.twitter.com/Q5FAfqbW1n
— BBC The One Show (@BBCTheOneShow) May 1, 2023
Sweeney, who is from Liverpool and known for her role in soap opera Brookside, said: "The Scouse alternative commentary is going to be a fabulous addition to the show. It's going be such fun, I can't wait."
BBC Radio Merseyside undertook a seven week talent search to find a partner for Sweeney with Quinn coming out ahead of 500 other hopefuls.
The radio station went around shopping centres in Liverpool asking members of the public to record a 40 second audition in a booth.
According to the BBC, the judges selected Quinn because of his "sense of Scouse" and how he passionately talked about Ukraine which was originally supposed to host the competition.
Read more: Who is Mae Muller? UK's Eurovision 2023 entry revealed
Liverpool is hosting Eurovision on behalf of Ukraine after the Eastern European country was invaded by Russia early last year.
Ukraine won last year's contest in Turin.
Graham Norton and Mel Giedroyc will be providing the commentary on the Grand Final's main feed while Rylan and Scott Mills will voice the semi-finals.
Read more: How many times has the UK won Eurovision?
You will be able to listen to the alternative Scouse commentary of the Grand Final of the Eurovision Song Contest on Saturday 13 May 2023 from 8pm on BBC Radio Merseyside, BBC Sounds, BBC iPlayer and the BBC Red Button.
Watch below: Liverpool is 'bouncing' in anticipation ahead of Eurovision Song Contest.
