The European Broadcasting Union has announced the UK could be the next host of Eurovision.
Initially, the 2023 competition was supposed to be held in Ukraine, but due to the ongoing war it may no longer be possible. The European Broadcasting Union has said it is currently in talks with the BBC "to potentially host the 2023 Eurovision Song Contest".
The Ukrainian entry of Kalush Orchestra won the competition in Turin, Italy, this year and traditionally the winning country hosts the next event in the following year. However, the EBU has said a "full assessment and feasibility study" has led to the conclusion that the "security and operational guarantees" required to host the event cannot be fulfilled by UA:PBC, Ukraine's public broadcaster.
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The BBC has now been approached by the EBU because the UK were the runners up in this year's competition.
The EBU said: “The EBU would like to thank UA:PBC for their wholehearted cooperation and commitment in exploring all scenarios in the weeks since Kalush Orchestra’s win on May 14 in Turin and share their sadness and disappointment that next year’s Contest cannot be held in Ukraine.
“The EBU has been supporting UA:PBC across a whole range of areas since the invasion. We will ensure that this support continues so 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 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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