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Boris Johnson believes Ukraine ‘can and should’ host Eurovision 2023: ‘They won and they deserve to have it’-Stella Akinwumi-Entertainment – Metro
‘I believe that they can have it and I believe that they should have it.’
Boris Johnson says Eurovision 2023 should be held in 2023 (Picture: REUTERS)
Boris Johnson hopes Ukraine will host next year’s Eurovision Song Contest after the European Broadcasting Union ruled it out due to the ongoing war with Russia.
The EBU thanked Ukraine’s public broadcaster UA:PBC for their ‘wholehearted cooperation’ as they explored all options, before revealing the United Kingdom is a possibility as host after Sam Ryder finished in second place.
In a statement on Friday, they said: ‘As a result of this decision, in accordance with the rules and to ensure the continuity of the event, the EBU will now begin discussions with the BBC, as this year’s runner up, to potentially host the 2023 Eurovision Song Contest in the United Kingdom.
While speaking at RAF Brize Norton, the Prime Minister insisted that despite the tragic conflict, it was possible for the music contest to go ahead in Ukraine.
‘I have just been to Kyiv,’ he told reporters.
‘I won’t say it is completely jiving and buzzing and popping but it is far, far more lively. People are much more confident. People are out in the streets eating in cafes and restaurants in a way that they weren’t a even few weeks ago.’
The Prime Minister expressed that he would love the UK to host the contest but believes it should be Ukraine (Picture: Getty)
Kalush Orchestra won the Eurovision Song Contest 2022 for Ukraine (Picture: Getty)
Mr Johnson continued: ‘The Ukrainians won the Eurovision Song Contest. I know we had a fantastic entry, I know we came second and I’d love it to be in this country.
‘But the fact is that they won and they deserve to have it. I believe that they can have it and I believe that they should have it. I believe Kyiv or any other safe Ukrainian city would be a fantastic place to to have it.’
Following EBU’s announcement, Ukrainian broadcaster UA:PBC shared its disappointment with the decision, as the country will miss out on an opportunity to address a global audience.
TikTok sensation Sam Ryder finished in second place (Picture: REUTERS)
Mykola Chernotytskyi, Head of the Managing Board of UA: PBC, said in a statement to Metro.co.uk: ‘We are disappointed with this decision of the EBU. During this month, a large number of people in Ukraine have thrown all their efforts to fulfill the conditions for holding Eurovision in our country.
Security is, of course, our first priority. The team of UA: PBC, state and local authorities did a thorough job and offered different options. It is a pity to see such an unappealable statement, therefore, we ask our partners to hold further negotiations.’
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While Eurovision fanatics are excited about the possibility of the annual event being held in the UK, the BBC issued a statement in response to the announcement, making it clear discussions are still yet to start.
‘We have seen the announcement from the EBU. Clearly, these aren’t a set of circumstances that anyone would want.
‘Following their decision, we will of course discuss the BBC hosting the Eurovision Song Contest,’ the broadcaster said.
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