Killjoy Eurovision bosses have banned pets from the grand final.
In a bonkers list of rules, fans have been warned not to bring dogs or cats to the contest at Malmö Arena in Sweden. Only animals needed for disability will be allowed in.
A contest insider said: “Anyone hoping to treat their beloved pets to a night of camp entertainment in the arena has been left disappointed. The animals will have to make do with watching it on TV.”
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READ MORE: Olly Alexander’s racy Eurovision routine slammed by BBC viewers as he makes debut
Vuvuzelas are also banned as are skateboards, frisbees and balloons. Bosses say they will ban anything “likely to have an adverse effect on the successful delivery of the contest”. They are also on high alert amid growing unrest over Israel being allowed to compete.
(Image: Belga/AFP via Getty Images)
More than 20,000 pro-Palestine protesters have demonstrated in the area in recent days. Israel’s act Eden Golan said: “The European Broadcasting Union is taking all precautions to make this a safe and united place so I think it’s safe for everyone.”
It comes as Britain’s Olly Alexander is facing up to having next-to-zero chance of winning. The singer, 33, is 66-1 to win and said: “My odds are at 1%. But that’s fine – it’s better than zero.”
(Image: Getty Images/EyeEm)
It comes after Olly’s performance divided BBC viewers on social media. Eurovision fever gripped the globe once more on Tuesday (May 7) when the iconic competition kicked off with its first semi-final in Sweden. Opening proceedings was Eleni Foureira, Cyprus’ ex-contestant, who dazzled with her glittery get-up and a posse of dancers in noir.
But it was Olly’s first performance for the UK in the competition that really got tongues wagging. The pop star, famed as a member of Years and Years, hit the stage to perform his song Dizzy. He brought the heat in the routine for his first solo-penned single, which saw Olly and his dance troupe writhing around in the shower of a boxing gym. The singer was clad in a white vest and set off his crotch area with a red codpiece.
(Image: AFP via Getty Images)
But the debut sparked complaints. Rushing to X, formerly Twitter, one complained: “Had high hopes for the UK @Eurovision this year with Olly Alexander but it sounded a little ropey at the semi-final just now.”, reports the Mirror.
Another was blunt in their critique: “#eurovision Shockingly poor singing there from Olly Alexander.” A viewer shared their disappointment, stating: “#EURO2024 sorry but I don’t think much of #OllyAlexander Dizzy UK entry. Set and production poor.”
Another agreed, sharing: “Let’s be honest. Olly Alexander just doesn’t have the voice. #Eurovision2024.” Despite the criticism, Olly’s dedicated fans defended him. One fan said: “I just love Olly Alexander… GREAT staging… #ESC2024,” as another said “Olly’s performance was SO professional. It was like watching a music video. Best staging of the year #unitedkingdom.”
The Eurovision Song Contest airs this weekend on BBC One
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
