TV stars announced as hosts of Eurovision 2023

We're just a few months away from one of the biggest music events in Europe, the Eurovision Song Contest. With the continuing conflict in Ukraine it was decided last year that the UK would host the competition, after we came second with Sam Ryder's 'Space Man'. After shortlisting several cities, Liverpool was eventually announced as the host city.

Now, as we near the date for the exciting competition, four hosts have been announced for the big night, and they include actress Hannah Waddingham, Alesha Dixon and Ukrainian singer Julia Sanina, alongside Eurovision favourite Graham Norton, who will commentate alongside Mel Giedoryc of Bake Off fame.

The news was shared on the competition's official social channels, saying: 'Introducing Liverpool’s new Fab Four 🥳 Your #Eurovision2023 hosts are: ⭐️ Graham Norton ⭐️ Hannah Waddingham ⭐️ Julia Sanina ⭐️ Alesha Dixon'.

Since the announcement was made fans have been leaving very excited comments with one saying: 'TRULY TRULY ICONIC', another said: 'HANNAH WADDINGHAM 🤩🤩🔥', while a third said: 'We got Graham!!'.

Julia, Hannah, and Alesha will also be presenting the two live Semi-Finals from Liverpool, which take place on the 9th and 11th May.

The Eurovision 2023 hosts

Fans may recognise Hannah Waddingham from her role in the hit TV series Ted Lasso, for which she has won a Primetime Emmy Award, but she has also had roles in Game of Thrones and Sex Education.

Meanwhile, Alesha Dixon is a well-known pop star with hits such 'The Boy Does Nothing' and 'Breathe Slow', as well as being a member of Mis-teeq. She is now a popular judge on Britain's Got Talent, which she has done for more than 10 years.

Speaking about the announcement, Alesha said: "I’ve performed all over the world and there is just something about the buzz and anticipation of a live show that can’t be rivalled. Eurovision delivers that excitement, creativity and talent, but on a vast, global scale.

"I remember watching the Eurovision Song Contest on the TV when I was small, so to be there bringing the Grand Final and Semi Finals to people watching across the world is HUGE."

Julia Sanina fronts the Ukrainian alternative rock band The HARDKISS and was chosen by the public to sit on the professional jury to select Ukraine’s 2023 Eurovision entry.

On hosting the song contest, she said: "I’m so excited to showcase Ukrainian culture and creativity, and to help put on a show to make my country proud. I can’t wait to get to Liverpool and meet the fans and the rest of the Eurovision family."

Last, but definitely not least is Graham Norton who will return as the commentator for the 2023 Eurovision Song Contest. This year will be the 13th time hosting the BBC’s coverage of the competition, however this time he will be accompanied by Mel Giedroyc.

This year, 37 countries will be taking part in the competition, with Ukraine automatically qualifying for the grand final, alongside the Big 5 (UK, France, Germany, Italy and Spain).

When is the 2023 Eurovision Song Contest?

The grand final of the 2023 Eurovision Song Contest will take place on Saturday 13th May 2023.

The most watched Eurovision songs:

Now read:

Eurovision bosses announce HUGE voting changes for 2023 contest

Eurovision Song Contest 2023: Everything we know so far

11 most memorable Eurovision Song Contest performances ever

How to listen to Hits Radio:

Turn it up with Hits Radio! Home of Fleur East, Sam Thompson and Gemma Atkinson playing the biggest hits and the biggest throwbacks, alongside the biggest laughs and life-changing competitions. Tune in on FM, DAB, online or ask your Smart Speaker to 'Play Hits Radio'.