Entertainment
Scott Mills: ‘We must not lose sight of the very real reason why the UK is hosting Eurovision in 2023’-Charlotte Manning-Entertainment – Metro
Eurovision is coming to the UK next year, in place of Ukraine.
Scott is heavily involved with the UK’s Eurovision coverage (Picture: AP / PA / Rex)
DJ Scott Mills has reminded Eurovision fans that they ‘must not lose sight of’ why the UK has been given the opportunity to host the contest in 2023, in place of Ukraine.
Ukraine won the Eurovision Song Contest back in May, with Kalush Orchestra flying to the top of the leaderboard with their song Stefania.
While the UK’s Sam Ryder initially excelled with the jury vote, Kalush were soon back on top after the results of the public vote came in.
However, the reigning champions were ruled out of hosting the contest in 2023 due to the ongoing Russian invasion, meaning a new host nation needed to be found.
Earlier this week, it was confirmed that as runners-up, the UK would be taking on the huge event in their place.
Although many Eurovision fans in the UK are delighted the contest will be held at home, Radio 1 DJ Scott, who commentates on the Eurovision semi-finals, has given a reminder not to forget to ‘do our friends in Ukraine proud’.
Kalush Orchestra performed at Glastonbury last month (Picture: AP)
He told Metro.co.uk: ‘Hosting the contest in the UK is bittersweet but so exciting and I have no doubt the BBC will work with the Ukrainian broadcaster to produce a spectacular contest that will highlight the best of Ukrainian culture and music all produced with a huge amount of love.
‘One thing’s for sure is that it will definitely be a unique contest like none before and I cannot wait.’
Scott went on to dub the opportunity to host as a ‘tremendously exciting prospect’ and added: ‘I can’t quite believe we are having this conversation! Kalush Orchestra were worthy winners back in May, so technically Ukraine should be hosting in 2023.
Scott commentated on this year’s semi-finals with Rylan Clark (Picture: David M. Benett/Dave Benett/WireImage)
‘The EBU, who organise the contest, has decided that won’t be possible therefore as Sam Ryder finished second, the UK was asked to step in and has accepted the offer to host.’
He went on to add a crucial reminder to fans: ‘We must not lose sight of the very real reason why the UK is hosting in 2023, but what I do know is that everyone involved will be doing their very best to do our friends in Ukraine proud.’
It comes after Sam himself offered up his support to Ukraine, urging fans to help make sure the contest remained with the winning nation at the heart of everything.
Sam has taken the news in his stride (Picture: MARCO BERTORELLO/AFP via Getty Images)
‘Hey, friends. Just a couple of thoughts’, he began in the clip shared to Twitter.
‘It’s Ukraine’s party, we’re just inviting them to throw it at our house’, he said, making it clear that he wants the 2023 contest to be all about the worthy winners.
‘I know how much it meant to Kalush and the Ukrainian delegation that Eurovision would be held at home in Ukraine next year, and I’m not the only one whose heart is heavy knowing that can’t be the case at this moment in time’, he continued.
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‘But, what I would love to say to anyone watching this from Ukraine, is that we know how to throw a party here in the UK and our excitement is outshone only by our focus on that one sole objective – to hold space and to be on hand to help wherever needed, to host an event that celebrates Ukrainian culture, history, and music.’
Fans have already been trying to put together their dream hosting line-up, with Scott (and Sam!) both suggested as hosts by many.
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Scott added to us: ‘It’s very early in the planning stages but it’s no secret that Eurovision one of my very favourite things, so I would of course love to be involved!’
It is yet to be decided which city the contest will be held in, but the likes of Manchester, Glasgow, London, and Birmingham are all in the mix.
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