Hannah Waddingham

'Ted Lasso's Hannah Waddingham is among the all-star line-up hosting the Eurovision Song Contest in May.

Kate Phillips, BBC’s director of unscripted said: “The BBC is thrilled to have such a talented line-up bringing the Eurovision Song Contest from Liverpool – on behalf of Ukraine – to the world. and Ukrainian Eurovision family come together in the Liverpool Arena in May.” “There’s something really special about Eurovision which is why I’ve been an avid fan for years – from the camaraderie of all the acts backstage, to the epic scale of the show,” said Waddingham.

Ted Lasso star Hannah Waddingham will co-host this year's Eurovision Song Contest, alongside Alesha Dixon and Ukrainian singer Julia Sanina.

It's estimated Eurovision will cost the corporation between £8m and £17m - a significant jump from what it normally spends participating. It will go towards initiatives like a fan village with big screens and stages for live music, as well as other city-wide events. "This year is even more special and I personally feel a big responsibility to make our Ukrainian colleagues proud." "I'm so excited to showcase Ukrainian culture and creativity, and to help put on a show to make my country proud," Sanina said. Eurovision delivers that excitement, creativity and talent, but on a vast, global scale". "It was a big honour to be on the stage and it was a zero stress event because it was about the contestants".

The last time the Eurovision Song Contest was held in the UK was in 1998, when the ceremony was presented by Terry Wogan and Ulrika Jonsson.

Sanina, who fronts Ukrainian alternative rock band The Hardkiss, was a Dancing With The Stars finalist and judge on X-Factor in the country. "I've performed all over the world and there is just something about the buzz and anticipation of a live show that can't be rivalled," she said. "I can't wait to get to Liverpool and meet the fans and the rest of the Eurovision family." Now, the 2023 hosts have been revealed - but what about news of this year's UK representative? "I remember watching the Eurovision Song Contest on the TV when I was small, so to be there bringing the grand final and semi-finals to people watching across the world is huge." The last time the Eurovision Song Contest was held in the UK was in 1998, when the ceremony was presented by Terry Wogan and Ulrika Jonsson.

Graham Norton and Hannah Waddingham are to host this year's Eurovision Song Contest alongside Alesha Dixon and Ukrainian singer Julia Sanina.

In 2016, her band, The HARDKISS, took part in the national selection for the Eurovision Song Contest and placed second overall. Eurovision delivers that excitement, creativity and talent, but on a vast, global scale. Cork native Norton is a Eurovision Song Contest stalwart who has been commentating booth for the UK since 2009.