Eurovision Song Contest bosses are facing a difficult few weeks as coronavirus threatens to derail the whole show.
This year’s competition is due to take part in Rotterdam in Holland on May 16.
At the moment Europe is being shaken to the core by the rise of coronavirus which has seen countries effectively go into lockdown.
In particular, Italy has taken extensive measures to combat the virus.
As well as closing all schools and universities for two weeks, reports state officials are even planning on banning kissing to stop the spread of coronavirus.
Jedward competed in Eurovision in 2011 (Image: REUTERS)
Meanwhile, the number coronavirus cases in the UK has skyrocketed to over 80.
At the time of publication there have been no deaths on UK soil from the illness.
In a bid to keep the virus under control, Dr Libby Carter, a lecturer in Event, Venue and Experience Management at Birmingham City University’s Business School, is advising Eurovision organisers to consider an “online” format.
Dr Carter said: “In 11 short weeks Rotterdam is expected to host the 65th Eurovision Song Contest – a contest designed with the intention to bring together different countries within Europe.
“However, given the outbreak and continuous spread of the coronavirus, questions will be asked about the security of the contest.”
She continued: “We have seen the impact of the virus on sporting events with the Rugby Six Nations cancelling their matches between Italy and Ireland.
Conchita Wurst previously won Eurovision Song Contest 2014 (Image: AFP/Getty Images)
“Furthermore, Switzerland has just announced a ban on public gatherings, given the risks of contamination in crowds.
“It could be that fans shouldn’t get too excited yet as there is a likelihood that the Eurovision Song Contest may also be postponed or cancelled. If this is the case there will be huge implications to the economy of the Netherlands, not to mention implications to the huge effort which goes to broadcasting such an event live.”
The idea of an online only format would see contestants performing in TV studios around the world.
This would remove the need for singers and their teams to travel across Europe as well as the need for a large live audience in Rotterdam itself.
A rep for the BBC has been contacted by Daily Star Online
Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
