[gottago]

They’ll have to have some entertaining performances in this show to make it watchable for the wider public on BBC2, it’s a pretty dull affair altogether, it’s not even a running order draw any more!

That’s interesting, apparently he said that in October. Why not Rylan though?

escxtra.com 

“I don’t want to give up the commentating. If I stop the commentating, someone else will do it and they might be better than me and then I’ll lose that job …Well, I might wander on and wave, and then run back to my rabbit hutch and put my ear things on.”


From the quote given, it wouldn’t surprise me if you get a situation like 1998 with Graham on stage for the start and end with Rylan and AJ hosting throughout at least for the final. It’s a shame because Graham speaking to the spokesman directly during voting for the Eurovision Dance Contests was probably even better than him commentating on it.

I don’t think Rylan is good enough a presenter for it to be completely honest. He’s a great guy and decent spin off/daytime host but he’s rarely considered for primetime anymore. I can certainly see him having a big role in UK coverage in the run up to the show, and will presumably be doing the commentary for the semis with Scott, but don’t think we’ll see him doing more than that. 

Meanwhile AJ is very much the presenter of the moment and I can see her having a shot at the main gig. 

I don’t know if the Wogan style commentary + presenter role particularly suits the contest in 2023, and I’m not sure having Graham on screen at the start and end particularly adds much for the international audience. 

There was a suggestion in Ukrainian media last month that there would be four presenters - 2 British and 2 Ukrainian, with the possibility that it would be the female host of 2005 and the Ukrainian commentator and 2017 host Timor. No idea how reliable or accurate that might be.

[aaron_scotland]

Since when have Eurovision had great presenters though, I find part of the charm being how awful some of them are!

[dvboy]

Since when have Eurovision had great presenters though, I find part of the charm being how awful some of them are!

Two words: Petra Mede.

[Brekkie]

The 1998 contest is very different to the contest of today, hence why Graham I think has ruled himself out. What will be interesting is whether he ends up on commentary for the semi-finals as well. Rylan potentially being amongst the hosts may determine that. Wouldn't be surprised if Radio 2 use Scott Mills to cover the semi-finals.


I still think they'll want a name with international recognition amongst the hosts - likely someone who isn't first and foremost a presenter.

[all new phil]

I still think they'll want a name with international recognition amongst the hosts - likely someone who isn't first and foremost a presenter.

Think you might be right here. Someone like Harry Styles maybe? Mika did a great job last year. 

Saying that I’d go for someone like Katherine Ryan.

[Jon]

Is Sam Ryder a possibility considering the BBC’s lover affair with him over the last year and his obvious links to the competition?

[Newshound47]

I think it’s interesting the draw is being hosted by two British presenters and no Ukrainians.

[gottago]

I think it’s interesting the draw is being hosted by two British presenters and no Ukrainians.

It’s a pretty minor event in the grand scheme of things so not surprising that they’ve chosen not to go through the difficulty of getting a host to leave Ukraine for it.

[Medianext.MX]

RTVE's national preselection Benidorm Fest has unveiled its professional jury, including two names that might sound familiar to Eurovision enthusiasts: Katrina Leskanich and Christer Björkman.

www.rtve.es 

El jurado del Benidorm Fest, compuesto por ocho profesionales
El Benidorm Fest 2023, que se celebrará los días 31 de enero y 2 y 4 de febrero,…
  Source: www.rtve.es

[Caramel Cookie]

Looks like the slogan will be ‘United by Music’!