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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
Entertainment
Jessica Sansome

Hannah Waddingham sends BBC Eurovision viewers wild over unexpected talent days after celebrity 'dig'

Hannah Waddingham stole the show again as she hosted the second Eurovision Song Contest semi-final. The Ted Lasso actress was back on stage at Liverpool's M&S Bank Arena where the biggest live music event in the world is taking place.

Just like the first semi-final on Tuesday (May 9), Hannah, pop star and TV presenter Alesha Dixon, and Ukrainian singer Julia Sanina returning as hosts.

The qualifier featured acts from 16 countries, including Denmark, Belgium, Austria, Iceland, Greece, Australia and San Marino with only 10 making it through to complete the 26 acts set to take to the stage in a bid to walk away with the title and coveted Eurovision trophy this weekend.

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Hannah proved a hit with viewers earlier this week during the first semi-final in which she appeared to make a 'dig' at a fellow celeb. According to BBC viewers, Amanda Holden was 'thrown under the bus' during the host's opening speech.

As they introduced the first live show, Hannah explained in French the voting rules for the semi-final. She added: "You see Europe, some of us Brits do bother to learn another language."

Many viewers at home pointed out this was a clear dig at Amanda who presented the votes for the UK during the Grand Final in 2021. Amanda famously said: "Bon soir. Goedenavond. That is 'good evening' in French and Dutch although I've got absolutely no idea which is which."

Hannah on stage with Alesha and Julia (Getty Images)

But on Thursday night, all eyes were on Hannah as she stunned viewers with her impressive hidden talent. While Alesha and Julia shared the rules of the contest in English, Hannah, 48, went one step further and recited the rules in French, leaving the audience and fans at home completely blown away by her talent.

Viewers instantly took to social media to gush over the star, with one writing: "Hannah Waddingham speaking French, Maybe I'm not gay." A second typed: "People train their entire lives to be as effortlessly charismatic and likeable as Hannah Waddingham #eurovision." A third added: "Watching the #Eurovision semi-finals, massive crush on Hannah Waddingham… she is just what I want to be when I grow up."

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