Glasgow has been named the bookies’ favourite to host next year’s Eurovision Song Contest.
Yesterday it was revealed the UK has been asked to take over from Ukraine on hosting duties as the conflict in the country continues.
The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) said it has kicked off talks with the BBC to discuss the possibility of the international singing bash being held in the UK in 2023.
And William Hill has made Glasgow 4/7 to favourites to take on the huge extravagant event.
London and Birmingham make up the second and third favourites for the contest respectively by the bookmaker.
The odds of Edinburgh hosting the competition is 33/1.
William Hill spokesperson Tony Kenny said: “The UK looks like it could be hosting next year’s Eurovision and we’ve opened a market on which city might be chosen if the decision is made.
“Glasgow is the 4/7 favourite to be given the hosting duties, with London, perhaps unsurprisingly, another leading contender at 10/3.”
It has been rumoured Glasgow will be chosen as the location for the contest for a number of days now.
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said she was “happy” to discuss the possibility of using Glasgow’s OVO Hydro arena for the event.
Taking to Twitter on Friday, she said: “We wish @Eurovision could be held in Ukraine but understand that in circumstances this isn’t possible.
“However, I can think of a perfect venue on the banks of the River Clyde. @ScotGov is happy to discuss with BBC, @GlasgowCC, @EBU_HQ and others.”
The cost of staging Eurovision is around £25m, with around £5m granted from the EBU to the host broadcaster.
BBC insiders say the broadcaster was prepared to stage Eurovision in the event that the UK won, after Sam Ryder's stomping success.
With 11 million viewers watching this year’s final on BBC One, Eurovision remains one of the broadcaster’s most popular events.
Ukraine was due to host the event in 2023 after the country’s entrant this year, Kalush Orchestra, claimed an emotional victory in Turin in May.
The EBU has now turned to the UK, who came second in the 2022 competition.
In a statement, the organisation said: “Following their win at the Eurovision Song Contest (ESC) in May the EBU has been exploring options for the hosting of next year's competition with Ukraine's public broadcaster UA:PBC, who previously staged the event in 2017 and 2005.
"It has become a well-known tradition that the winner of the Eurovision Song Contest hosts the competition the following year, providing certain criteria including ensuring the viability of staging the event and the safety of all stakeholders, including the public, are met.
"Given the ongoing war since the Russian invasion of this year's winning country, the EBU has taken the time to conduct a full assessment and feasibility study with both UA:PBC and third-party specialists including on safety and security issues.
"The EBU has been supporting UA:PBC across a whole range of areas since the invasion. We will ensure that this support continues to UA:PBC can maintain the indispensable service they provide to Ukrainians.
"As a result of this decision, in accordance with the rules and to ensure the continuity of the event, the EBU will now begin discussions with the BBC, as this year's runner up, to potentially host the 2023 Eurovision Song Contest in the United Kingdom."
It ended with: "It is our full intention that Ukraine's win will be reflected in next year's shows. This will be a priority for us in our discussions with the eventual hosts."
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