2023 is set to be a momentous year for the United Kingdom at the Eurovision Song Contest. Following a truly Herculean turn-around thanks to tour de force Sam Ryder, British interest in the Contest seems to be rekindled.
The BBC is looking to shepherd that interest into the new year. To do so, it seems that the BBC will be heavily promoting 2023 as ‘the year of Eurovision,’ with a whole host of Eurovision-related programming. Several Eurovision-themed shows have just been announced — check them out!
The Big Eurovision Party (12.40am GMT, BBC One and iPlayer)
Immediately after Sam Ryder welcomes 2023 in the previously announced shows ‘Sam Ryder Rocks New Year’s Eve Part One (11.30pm) and ‘Sam Ryder’s All-Star New Year’s Eve Part 2’ (12.10am), BBC One will play host to the Netherlands’ own Het Grote Songfestivalfeest! Filmed last month, the rights to the concert were acquired by the BBC’s Rachel Ashdown, who will be the Lead Commissioner for this year’s Eurovision.
The concert will feature “some of the biggest stars in the recent history of the Contest,” including Kalush Orchestra, Subwoolfer, TIX, Stefania, and of course Sam Ryder himself.
Rylan will be hands on deck with some behind-the-scenes insights.
The Weakest Link Eurovision Special (December 30th, BBC One, 6.30pm GMT)
The Weakest Link is a long-running game show, which has entertained BBC viewers since the turn of the millennium. In the show, contestants must answer various general knowledge questions in rounds. When the round is over, all of the contestants are asked to vote for which one of them should be eliminated for being ‘the weakest link.’ Eventually, when there are two players left, they have a head-to-head to determine a prize winner.
On December 30th, The Weakest Link will feature contestants known to Eurovision fans: Duncan James of Blue (United Kingdom’s 2011 entrant); Cheryl Baker of Buck’s Fizz (Eurovision 1981 winners), Sonia (Eurovision 1993 runner-up) and Kate Robbins of Prima Donna (third place, Eurovision 1980). Scott Mills, Tia Kofi, Lauren Layfield, and Sarah Cawood will also make appearances.
The victor will be awarded a £50,000 cash prize, to donate to a charity of their choice.
Brooke’s Christmas Craic’rs (December 18th 4pm, Christmas Eve, and December 30th, Times TBA, BBC Radio Ulster)
Looking for something to listen to on a wintery drive, or just relaxing at home? Ireland’s 2022 entrant Brooke Scullion has announced that she will be hosting her very own radio show on BBC Radio Ulster!
‘Craic’ is an Irish term for something fun or a good time, which is what Brooke promises to bring to the airwaves. She’ll be treating listeners to some feel-good bops and a chat, so get a hot cocoa on and enjoy. The show should be available online here.
Are #YOU excited about how the BBC is kicking off ‘the year of Eurovision’? Will you be tuning in to any of the above programs? Let us know down below in the comments, on social media @ESCUnited, on our Forum, or on our Discord!
