Eurovision Song Contest 2023 on the BBC

This year’s Eurovision Song Contest promises to be unlike any other for audiences in the UK with an array of captivating content set to air right across the BBC.

For the first time since 1998, the United Kingdom will play host to the 2023 contest and will do so on behalf of last year’s winners Ukraine who are unable to host due to the ongoing war. This year marks the 67th edition of the competition as 37 countries compete for the coveted, life changing trophy.

With both Semi-Finals and the Grand Final broadcasting live on BBC One and BBC iPlayer for the first time ever, the BBC will also deliver wall to wall entertainment for new and existing fans with a raft of additional programming across TV, BBC iPlayer, radio, BBC Sounds and online to celebrate the world’s biggest music show.

Highlights include The One Show and BBC Breakfast broadcasting live from Liverpool all week; Radio 2 will become the home of Eurovision on BBC Radio and BBC Sounds with programmes building excitement throughout the week. Scott Mills and Rylan bring their sharp witted commentary to the network for the Grand Final with Paddy O’ Connell on duty for the Semi-Finals as Radio 2 broadcast these all important qualifiers for the first time ever. There will be a legendary Eurovision figure making an appearance in Albert Square; scouse commentary courtesy of BBC Radio Merseyside and BBC Three takes audiences back to last year’s nail-biting Grand Final in Turin.

Both Semi-Finals broadcast on BBC One and BBC iPlayer will be presented by Alesha Dixon, Julia Sanina and Hannah Waddingham with Eurovision legend Graham Norton joining the musical trio on stage for the Grand Final. Rylan and Scott Mills will provide commentary for audiences on BBC One and BBC iPlayer for both Semi-Finals, with Mel Giedroyc and Graham stepping into the commentary box for the Grand Final.

The live shows will also feature specially commissioned films and electrifying performances from music icons such as Rita Ora, 2022 Eurovision winners Kalush Orchestra, the UK’s out of this world 2022 star Sam Ryder, Liverpool’s very own Rebecca Ferguson, 2010 Ukrainian entry Alyosha, icons of Eurovision and many, many more.

Kate Phillips, BBC Director of Unscripted said: “We couldn’t be more proud and excited to give our audiences such a huge array of world class Eurovision content. It’s an honour for the BBC to host the show on behalf of Ukraine, and we’re committed to do them proud. The level of collaboration and coordination across so much of the output is truly amazing. Let the Eurovision Song Contest begin!”

The Grand Final and both Semi-Finals of the Eurovision Song Contest 2023 will be produced by BBC Studios. BBC Eurovision coverage is commissioned by Kate Phillips, Director of BBC Unscripted. The Managing Director for the BBC is Martin Green CBE and the Lead Commissioner for the BBC is Rachel Ashdown. For BBC Studios, Andrew Cartmell is Executive Producer and Lee Smithurst is Head of Show. Lead Creative Director is Dan Shipton and Creative Director for UA:PBC is German Nenov.

The Eurovision Song Contest 2023 will be broadcast live from Liverpool on BBC One and BBC iPlayer, BBC Radio 2 and BBC Sounds. Semi-Final 1 is broadcast Tuesday 9 May at 8pm, Semi-Final 2 is broadcast Thursday 11 May at 8pm, and the Grand Final is broadcast on Saturday 13 May at 8pm.