UK to host 2023 Eurovision as Ukraine bows out

Britain's Sam Ryder came second in the Eurovision contest

Ukraine's Kalush Orchestra won this year's contest, held in Italy

Britain said Monday it had reluctantly agreed to host next year's Eurovision song contest, after organisers said there was no prospect of the pop extravaganza going ahead in war-torn Ukraine.

The BBC will now produce the world's biggest live music event, taking in performers from across Europe and Central Asia as well as Israel and Australia, in a UK city yet to be determined.

But after the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) ruled that out on security grounds, the government in Kyiv acquiesced to a UK-hosted event with a strongly Ukrainian flavour.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said that in phone talks last week with President Volodymyr Zelensky, they "agreed that wherever Eurovision 2023 is held, it must celebrate the country and people of Ukraine". 

Johnson's spokesman added it had been the soon-to-depart prime minister's "strong wish" for Ukraine to host the 2023 edition, and found it "deeply regrettable" that was no longer possible.

Its lead singer Oleh Psiuk, whose bubblegum-pink bucket hat helped make him one of the breakout stars of the night, thanked Britain for stepping in.

"We, in turn, will make all efforts to help Ukraine win next year as well, so that Eurovision 2024 can take place in a peaceful country."

By convention, the winning country hosts the kitsch celebration of music the following year. Britain last hosted it in 1998.

The broadcasting union stuck to its line despite protests from Zelensky's government, and rejected one proposal to shift the contest to a border location within Ukraine, away from the frontlines.

The other finalists will be selected via national votes by viewers and judges, typically ranging from mainstream pop to the rather odd.

"The BBC is committed to making the event a true reflection of Ukrainian culture alongside showcasing the diversity of British music and creativity," he said.

The broadcaster said it aimed to select a UK host venue by the autumn, in collaboration with the EBU.

London, Manchester and Sheffield all said they were ready to step in. Glasgow had previously expressed interest.

Last month, before another global TV audience, Ryder performed his quirky song "Space Man" in front of Buckingham Palace as part of Platinum Jubilee celebrations for Queen Elizabeth II.

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