Inside the BBC’s plans to bring Eurovision 2023 to the UK
THE UK will get to host 2023’s Eurovision if this year’s winners Ukraine are unable to do so because of the conflict with Russia.
We narrowly missed out on lifting the trophy in Turin last month.
Since then the president of Spain’s state broadcaster RTVE has said his country, which finished third, is determined to win the song contest and get to stage it.
But he conceded it will be the UK in the reserve position for next year’s event.
Jose Manuel Perez Tornero said: “We don’t want to be left with the mirage of a good result.
“We are going to go out to win next time.
READ MORE ON EUROVISION
“We were also interested in organising Eurovision 2023.
“But if Ukraine resigns, it will be the BBC that organises it.”
Our entry, Space Man by Sam Ryder, came second behind Ukraine’s Kalush Orchestra in the 2022 contest, while Spain’s Chanel was third.
Plans are quietly in motion just in case the UK does get to host – and it looks like Glasgow is being lined up as the lucky city.
The OVO Hydro Arena has been earmarked.
The contest usually takes place mid-May with weeks of rehearsals and events in the run-up, and the venue is free from April 25 to May 27.
But Ukraine’s president Volodymyr Zelensky said his country would “do our best” to make it happen over there.