Eurovision Song Contest bosses have said they are in talks with the BBC to "potentially host" the 2023 event, after concluding next year's contest cannot be held in Ukraine.
The Ukrainian entry of Kalush Orchestra won the competition in Turin, Italy this year and it is traditional that the winning country hosts the event the following year.However, the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) said that following a "full assessment and feasibility study" it had concluded the "security and operational guarantees" required to host the event cannot be fulfilled by Ukraine's public broadcaster UA:PBC.If the UK does host the contest in 2023, it would be the ninth time it has taken place here - more than any other country.In a statement posted online, the EBU thanked the UA:PBC for its "wholehearted cooperation and commitment in exploring all scenarios" but shared its "sadness and disappointment" that the contest cannot be held in the war-torn country."The EBU has been supporting UA:PBC across a whole range of areas since the invasion.
We will ensure that this support continues so UA:PBC can maintain the indispensable service they provide to Ukrainians," it said."As a result of this decision, in accordance with the rules and to ensure the continuity of the event, the EBU will now begin discussions with the BBC, as this year's runner-up, to potentially host the 2023 Eurovision Song Contest in the United Kingdom."It is our full intention that Ukraine's win will be reflected in next year's shows.
This will be a priority for us in our discussions with the eventual hosts."The BBC said in a statement: "We have seen the announcement from the EBU.
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