TV stars announced as hosts of Eurovision 2023

It's quite the line-up

Author: Anna Sky MagliolaPublished 22nd Feb 2023

We're just a few months away from one of the biggest music events in Europe, the Eurovision Song Contest. With the continuing conflict in Ukraine it was decided last year that the UK would host the competition, after we came second with Sam Ryder's 'Space Man'. After shortlisting several cities, Liverpool was eventually announced as the host city.

Now, as we near the date for the exciting competition, four hosts have been announced for the big night, and they include actress Hannah Waddingham, Alesha Dixon and Ukrainian singer Julia Sanina, alongside Eurovision favourite Graham Norton, who will commentate alongside Mel Giedoryc of Bake Off fame.

The news was shared on the competition's official social channels, saying: 'Introducing Liverpool’s new Fab Four 🥳 Your #Eurovision2023 hosts are: ⭐️ Graham Norton ⭐️ Hannah Waddingham ⭐️ Julia Sanina ⭐️ Alesha Dixon'.

Since the announcement was made fans have been leaving very excited comments with one saying: 'TRULY TRULY ICONIC', another said: 'HANNAH WADDINGHAM 🤩🤩🔥', while a third said: 'We got Graham!!'.

Julia, Hannah, and Alesha will also be presenting the two live Semi-Finals from Liverpool, which take place on the 9th and 11th May.

The Eurovision 2023 hosts

Fans may recognise Hannah Waddingham from her role in the hit TV series Ted Lasso, for which she has won a Primetime Emmy Award, but she has also had roles in Game of Thrones and Sex Education.

Meanwhile, Alesha Dixon is a well-known pop star with hits such 'The Boy Does Nothing' and 'Breathe Slow', as well as being a member of Mis-teeq. She is now a popular judge on Britain's Got Talent, which she has done for more than 10 years.

Speaking about the announcement, Alesha 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 rivalled. 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."

Julia Sanina fronts the Ukrainian alternative rock band The HARDKISS and was chosen by the public to sit on the professional jury to select Ukraine’s 2023 Eurovision entry.

On hosting the song contest, she said: "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."

Last, but definitely not least is Graham Norton who will return as the commentator for the 2023 Eurovision Song Contest. This year will be the 13th time hosting the BBC’s coverage of the competition, however this time he will be accompanied by Mel Giedroyc.

This year, 37 countries will be taking part in the competition, with Ukraine automatically qualifying for the grand final, alongside the Big 5 (UK, France, Germany, Italy and Spain).

When is the 2023 Eurovision Song Contest?

The grand final of the 2023 Eurovision Song Contest will take place on Saturday 13th May 2023.

The most watched Eurovision songs:

10) Loreen - 'Tattoo'

Country: Sweden
Year: 2023
Views: 26m
Watch on YouTube here.

9) SunStroke Project & Olia Tira - 'Run Away'

Country: Moldova
Year: 2010
Views: 33m
Watch on YouTube here.

8) Conchita Wurst - 'Rise Like A Phoenix'

Country: Austria
Year: 2014
Views: 44m
Watch on YouTube here.

7) Eleni Foureira - 'Fuego'

Country: Cyprus
Year: 2018
Views: 48m
Watch on YouTube here.

6) Måns Zelmerlöw - 'Heroes'

Country: Sweden
Year: 2015
Views: 53m
Watch on YouTube here.

5) Lordi - 'Hard Rock Hallelujah'

Country: Cyprus
Year: 2006
Views: 54m
Watch on YouTube here.

4) Loreen - 'Euphoria'

Country: Sweden
Year: 2012
Views: 65m
Watch on YouTube here.

3) Alexander Rybak - 'Fairytale'

Country: Norway
Year: 2009
Views: 87m
Watch on YouTube here.

2) Måneskin - 'Zitti e buoni'

Country: Italy
Year: 2021
Views: 107m
Watch on YouTube here.

1) Netta - 'Toy'

Country: Israel
Year: 2018
Views: 174m
Watch on YouTube here.

Now read:

Eurovision bosses announce HUGE voting changes for 2023 contest

Eurovision Song Contest 2023: Everything we know so far

11 most memorable Eurovision Song Contest performances ever

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