Graham Norton backs Glasgow as Eurovision host city for 2023: ‘It’s got amazing banter’-Emily Bashforth-Entertainment – Metro

Graham has a preference from the two cities shortlisted (Picture: Dave Benett)

Graham Norton is backing Glasgow as the host city for Eurovision 2023.

The annual song contest announced on Tuesday (September 27) that Glasgow and Liverpool have been picked as the final two from seven possible cities across the UK to host the competition next year.

Veteran Eurovision commentator Graham has hailed Glasgow as a ‘great place’ for the contest to be held after the city was shortlisted in place of 2022 winners, Ukraine.

The UK came second in the competition this year thanks to Sam Ryder’s entry Space Man, and stepped in to host the next Eurovision after the organisers said it would not be possible for the event to take place in Ukraine due to the ongoing Russian invasion.

Speaking to STV News at Six, Graham said: ‘I think Glasgow would be a great place to have it.

‘You’ve got the amazing venues, you’ve got the hotels, airports, the trains, and the banter.’

The chat show host would love for Glasgow to take the reigns next year (Picture: Mike Marsland/WireImage )

The talkshow host added: ‘Every taxi driver in Glasgow is going to be saying, “Yes! Come on!”.’

He isn’t the only star throwing his support behind the Scottish city, as Sam himself was also asked by Clyde 1 radio presenters to back the city’s bid.

‘I’m Sam Ryder and I want the Eurovision to be in Glasgow!’, he declared.

Scottish stars are also championing their city, with the likes of Lawrence Chaney, who won the second series of Ru Paul’s Drag Race UK, and hails from Glasgow, tweeting: ‘I would LOVE to see Glasgow host Eurovision! I’ve got my fingers an legs crossed’.

The UK’s entry Sam Ryder has also shown his support for Glasgow as a host city (Picture: WireImage)

Ukraine’s entry Kalush Orchestra emerged victorious in Eurovision 2022 (Picture: Reuters)

Meanwhile, councillor Susan Aitken, leader of Glasgow City Council, said: ‘We’re excited that Glasgow has made it to the final two cities in the running to host Eurovision and a celebration of Ukraine next year.

‘The competition has been very strong, but Glasgow has an unrivalled track record for successfully hosting major global events.’

She added that this ‘experience’ and ‘expertise,’ combined with Glasgow’s ‘famous live music scene’ and ‘one of the world’s ‘top entertainment venues,’ means it has ‘everything it takes’ to host a show ‘the whole Eurovision family can be proud of.’

More: Trending

Other cities initially in the running included Manchester, Birmingham, Newcastle, Sheffield, and Leeds.

The final decision on which city will take on the hosting role will be made by contest organisers, the European Broadcasting Union, ‘within weeks.’

Got a story?

If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.

MORE : When could Eurovision 2023 tickets go on sale as the UK shortlists potential host cities?

MORE : When did the UK last host Eurovision and where could it be?

Entertainment – MetroRead More