The Eurovision Song Contest has recruited its first-ever Scouse commentators to handle the live shows.
BBC Radio Merseyside launched a talent search to find their voice, with Paul Quinn, 32, from Dingle, walking away the winner after weeks of competing. He'll join Brookside star Claire Sweeney for a "Scouse alternative commentary".
The seven-week search saw almost 500 people audition for the role, touring shopping centres across Liverpool and Merseyside, asking members of the public to record a 40-second demo in a specially created radio booth.
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The pair will provide a unique take at the grand final on Saturday, May 13. It’s the first time in 67 editions of the contest that audiences will be able to listen to commentary in a regional accent of the host city.
Paul was chosen for the role because the judges loved his sense of Scouse identity and passion for Ukraine. On finding out that he had been chosen, Paul said: “It's brilliant and to have it here in Liverpool, is a once in a lifetime opportunity and who knows when it going to come back.
"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.”
Claire said: “I am thrilled to be involved with Eurovision this year in Liverpool. I am looking forward to working alongside the new voice of Eurovision for BBC Radio Merseyside. The scouse alternative commentary is going to be a fabulous addition to the show. It’s going be such fun, I can’t wait.”
You will be able to listen to the alternative Scouse commentary of the Grand Final of the Eurovision Song Contest on Saturday, May 13 from 8pm on BBC Radio Merseyside, BBC Sounds, BBC iPlayer and the BBC Red Button.
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