'Ted Lasso' star Hannah Waddingham will be joining Eurovision veteran Graham Norton as one of the hosts of this year's hotly anticipated Eurovision Song Contest final.
The big Eurovision final is on Saturday, May 13, with Liverpool set to welcome thousands of tourists and music lovers. The much loved event returns for its 67th edition, with the UK playing host on behalf of Ukraine due to the conflict with Russia.
Liverpool won over competing cities to snag hosting duties, with the M&S Bank Arena taking centre stage as the venue for the contest. Those who didn't bag elusive tickets to the main event can take advantage of the many other events kicking off in celebration around the city, while the centrally located EuroVillage will also offer a smorgasbord of entertainment in the heart of the action.
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The BBC confirmed its full Eurovision presenting and commentary line-up for the big event, with veteran Graham Norton to be joined by Hannah Waddingham, Alesha Dixon and Ukrainian singer Julia Sanina, on hosting duties for the semi-finals and grand final; in addition to Mel Giedroyc, Rylan, Scott Mills, Claire Sweeney, Sam Quek and Timur Miroshnychenko.
Hannah Waddingham, a three-time Olivier Award nominee and Primetime Emmy winning actress from London, boasts a string of experience in the entertainment industry. Primarily known for her role as Rebecca Welton in the Apple TV show Ted Lasso, she also starred in the smash hit series Game of Thrones as Septa Unella; and played Sofia Marchetti in Netflix's popular comedy-drama series, Sex Education. A veteran of both the stage and the screen, she's no stranger to presenting, either.
Earlier this year, the star presented the prestigious Olivier Awards ceremony, and she also hosted the 'Untold Stories of Women's Soccer' on the podcast Hustle Rule.
Of her Eurovision duties, Hannah, 48, commented: "There's something really special about Eurovision which is why I've been an avid fan for years – from the camaraderie of all the acts backstage, to the epic scale of the show.
"It's one of the world's greatest music festivals, but this year, perhaps more than ever, it is such a great honour to be standing shoulder to shoulder with Ukraine, a country which has carried itself with such strength and unity. It is my great privilege to join Eurovision this year of all years."
The Eurovision Song Contest 2023 will run from Tuesday, May 9 until the grand final on Saturday, May 13.
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