Anticipation is mounting for the Eurovision Song Contest 2021.
Taking place at the Rotterdam Ahoy arena, it has already been confirmed that the venue will allow a COVID-safe live audience of 3,500 people.
And though things certainly won’t be the same this year, after the cancellation of the 2020 event, Europop fans the world over are looking back to plenty of OTT fun.
But for those of us who can’t jet off to the Netherlands, there are still plenty of ways to watch Eurovision – and cheer on UK act James Newman – across the BBC.
The Grand Final itself will air on BBC One on Saturday, May 22 from 8pm.
Taking up the mantle again, Graham Norton will be on hand to provide his usual wry commentary on the biggest party night of the year.
(Image: WireImage)
This year’s contest will be hosted by Chantal Janzen, Jan Smit, Edsilia Rombley and YouTube makeup expert Nikkie de Jager, AKA NikkieTutorials.
But before we get ahead of ourselves, contest semi-finals – hosted by Rylan Clark-Neal, Scott Mills and Chelcee Grimes – will be shown on BBC Four on Tuesday, May 18 and Thursday, May 20 at 8pm.
16 countries will be competing for a place in the Grand Final on the first night, followed by a further 17 on the Thursday.
That’s not all. The BBC is also gearing up with some classic Eurovision content on Friday, May 21 to get everyone in the mood.
Rylan will take viewers through the A-Z of Eurovision, putting together a compilation of highlights from the last 65 years of Eurovision.
Eurovision at 60 will take a look at the 60th anniversary celebrations back in 2015, featuring interviews with 2014 winner Conchita Wurst, Graham Norton and Sir Terry Wogan.
Plus, ABBA at the BBC charts the meteoric rise of the band, featuring some of their most iconic performances at the BBC over the years, spanning from 1974 to 1982.
On the radio, BBC Radio 2’s Ken Bruce will be broadcasting the night of the Grand Final.
He commented: “I can’t find the words to describe how I feel to be presenting my 33rd Eurovision!
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“I’ve been broadcasting my daily show from a turret in Bruce Towers, but finally – after over 13 months away – I’ll be returning to the seat of Radio 2, Wogan House, for the live final.
“Good luck to James Newman – the Radio 2 listeners are behind you every step of the way!”
From Monday, May 17 there’ll also be the chance to follow UK representative James Newman’s journey via BBC Radio One iPlayer, as he gets ready to perform on the big night.
Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
