The UK to host Eurovision Song Contest 2023

In June it was revealed that the UK was being considered to host next year's Eurovision Song Contest after Ukraine was ruled out following a "full assessment" on "safety and security issues" due to the ongoing war. A week later the European Broadcasting Union detailed the reasoning why Ukraine - who won this year's Eurovision with Kalush Orchestra - couldn't host the 2023 edition, and today (25 July) it's been officiallly announced that the UK will host instead.

The United Kingdom will host #Eurovision 2023!

Everything you need to know here: https://t.co/qQVS3gierN pic.twitter.com/IpHCA2i4U6

— Eurovision Song Contest (@Eurovision) July 25, 2022

The UK's Sam Ryder placed second in this year's Eurovision with "SPACE MAN".

For the 2023 competition, the BBC will take on hosting duties, and a bidding contest for the host cities will start this week. There will also be Ukrainian elements used in the show, which is being developed between Ukraine’s UA:PBC and the BBC.

Due to winning the 2022 competition, Ukraine will also automatically quality for the Grand Final of the 2023 Eurovision, alongside France, Germany, Italy, Spain and the UK.

Martin Österdahl, the Eurovision Song Contest’s Executive Supervisor said, "We’re exceptionally grateful that the BBC has accepted to stage the Eurovision Song Contest in the UK in 2023. The BBC has taken on hosting duties for other winning countries on four previous occasions. Continuing in this tradition of solidarity, we know that next year’s Contest will showcase the creativity and skill of one of Europe’s most experienced public broadcasters whilst ensuring this year’s winners, Ukraine, are celebrated and represented throughout the event."