Entertainment
AJ Odudu keen to host Eurovision 2023 ‘live from Salford’: ‘That would be the cherry on top of the cake’-Meghna Amin-Entertainment – Metro
We would love to see it!
We would love to see it! (Picture: Getty Images/Eurovision)
AJ Odudu has thrown her hat in the ring as a possible presenter for Eurovision 2023, which is set to be hosted in the UK on behalf of Ukraine.
Earlier this week, the BBC confirmed it would be taking charge of next year’s contest after it was announced winners Ukraine had been ruled out amid the ongoing Russian invasion.
The news had sent Eurovision fans into a frenzy, as the guesses began over which UK city may end up putting on the show, and AJ is just as excited.
This year, when Sam Ryder came second, close behind Ukraine’s Kalush Orchestra, AJ had hosted the UK’s jury’s vote from Greater Manchester.
Reflecting on it, she said: ‘Just shouting out “from Greater Manchester” was incredible.
‘When it was announced that the UK will host it, I was buzzing.
AJ hosted the UK’s judge’s votes for Eurovision this year (Picture: BBC)
‘For it to come live from Salford this year, which has never happened, and for me to be the face of it… just wow – that would absolutely be the cherry on the top of the cake,’ the Strictly star told The Mirror.
AJ assured that Eurovision 2023 would be ‘all about Ukraine,’ saying they did ‘fantastically well’ to even perform let alone win, given the difficult circumstances/
Which UK city could host Eurovision 2023?
After the announcement that the UK will be hosting Eurovision in 2023, with Ukraine officially ruled out, here are the top six cities likely to host the competition as it’s broadcast by the BBC, according to bookmakers:
Belfast
The SSE Arena at the Odyssey Complex in the Northern Irish city’s Titanic Quarter boasts a 12,000-person capacity, and councillors Anthony Flynn and Seamas De Faoite have urged the city to put a bid forward.
Cardiff
The Welsh city’s Principality Stadium, which held every FA Cup final between 2001 and 2006, can hold a whopping 74,000 people and comes equipped with a roof. The competition has never been held in Wales before.
Manchester
Not only does Manchester’s AO Arena have the ability to house 21,000 guests, but it’s also extremely close to the BBC’s main studio in Salford. However, Sir Elton John and Magic Mike shows are already scheduled to take place at the arena next May.
Birmingham
Birmingham has already proven it’s capable of hosting Eurovision, having done so in 1998 when Katrina and the Waves’ song Love Shine a Light won the previous year.
London
The English capital has hosted the competition four times in the past, the last time being back in 1977. The show could take place at the Wembley Arena, which has a capacity of 12,500 people, or the O2 Arena, which could hold 20,000 individuals.
Glasgow
The bookies’ favourite is currently the Scottish city of Glasgow, with Edinburgh having hosted Eurovision in 1972. First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has already suggested the city, which was named the UK’s top cultural and creative city in 2019.
In a statement announcing the news, the BBC said:
‘It is a matter of great regret that our colleagues and friends in Ukraine are not able to host the 2023 Eurovision Song Contest.
‘Being asked to host the largest and most complex music competition in the world is a great privilege.’
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The broadcaster also said that it is ‘committed to making the event a true reflection of Ukrainian culture alongside showcasing the diversity of British music and creativity’, following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the war being waged in the country.
‘The BBC will now begin the process to find a host city to partner with us on delivering one of the most exciting events to come to the UK in 2023,’ they said.
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